[msteigerwalt]

I've worked with managers who could successfully drink with employees as well as fire under performers (often in a way which didn't end the beer relationship), but all of them had multiple decades of experience.

I suppose it's much, much easier to avoid the need for a line entirely than to learn how to draw it.

[jakejake]

I had to fire a guy and we managed to remain friends. I think it depends a lot on the employee not taking it too personally. Also helps if you don't fire them in a nasty way, but more in a way that the situation didn't work out. Also offering to provide a reference if you feel the person has good qualities - that can help because they will need that to get another job.

[jpdoctor]

> but all of them had multiple decades of experience.

It certainly requires maturity on the part of the boss, but also on the part of the employee.

That said, sometimes there are personality differences for which no amount of maturity will matter.