The Thick Line Between Buddy And Boss

Q: One of my key employees is giving me trouble. He has started showing up late for work and has developed a bad attitude in general. The rest of my employees are complaining since they are having to take up his slack. I’ve tried talking to him, but he doesn’t seem to listen. To make matters worse, he has become one of my best friends since I hired him five years ago, so firing him is out of the question. What can I do?
— Allen B.

A: One reason I am so qualified to disp…