It’s not unusual to find some of your closest friends among the people you work with. Consider the many hours spent together (both in and out of the office), as well as the many common interests, including of course a shared commitment to growing the business. 

But things get a bit more complicated when you’re the one in charge and your good friends happen to be people who work for you.

In many small businesses and especially young startups, “Most relationships tend to get pretty close,” says Prerna Gupta, a contributor to Young Entrepreneur. The long days, the emotional roller coaster of getting a business up and running can make things cozy with employees — “possibly much cozier than normal professional relationships.” The line between friend and co-worker (or boss) tends to blur when you seem to be always grabbing lunch or having a beer after work.

But, Gupta says, “It is essential to not let that friendship get in the way of your business success.” She offers four tips for maintaining an essential professional distance.