Would you find it more difficult to fire someone you barely know or someone you drank with and know personally?

There’s a reason why networks are powerful. The closer you are to people, the more they care about you and your well-being. Being professional doesn’t mean being cold and distant.

Asking personal questions shows interest and switches a regular business relationship to a social / human relationship (Dan Ariely). That’s what we want.

Share personal information when interacting with clients, bosses, co-workers, employees, etc. It doesn’t have to be much but it will make you more likable. You can always keep your distance by deciding what you share but it has to feel like you’re trying to be close(r).