I got my friend a job with me and I have to train him...?

Question

I got an old college buddy of mine a job with me doing graphic design. Its his first design job since college so I know hes gonna be a little green. The problem Im having is that I have to train him to do my job so I can be promoted. I have never been good at training people, and the fact that he is a friend seems to make it harder. He comes to me with designes he has done and asks me to critique them. I have to admit that his designs are not that great at times. I have trouble telling him to change things because I have to do it so often and I feel bad. I know it will take him time to get the hang of everything, but I am very anal. I see a million little things I would like him to change. Do I let up and try not to be a hard *** or do I lay it on him and push him hard? Anybody out there ever have to train a new graphic designer before?

Answer 1

sweet.

Answer 2

I've never had to train graphic designer before, but I have had to train, supervise and direct people who are/were friends of mine.

The basic rule of thumb is to treat your friends like you would any other employee while at work. They need to understand this. It doesn't mean you can't socialize or laugh with them, but business is business.

As far as being "anal"... that is what probably makes you a great graphic designer and one of the reasons why you are being promoted. If you see something that could be improved upon, point it out. You can never go wrong with constructive criticism if the end result will be a better product.

Ask yourself, what worked for you? What helped you get where you are today? Training is just sharing the knowledge you already posses. You just have to be able to put that information out there in a structured fashion.

Obviously, you like your own designs. Give your friend a look at some of them and maybe he'll pick up some of your style and add his own flair.

Answer 3

Um, let's see.  Would you rather keep your friend or your job?



Just have a talk with him and tell him how it's going to have to be.  He'll have to deal with it.