Quite a few of the sayings that you've heard during your lifetime contain truths or partial truths. For instance, have you ever heard of the adage, “You can judge a person by the company they keep?” Think about how hard you’ve worked to build a reputation of professionalism and integrity. Like it or not, who you chose to associate with, and what you attach your name to, can have damaging affects to your professional reputation.
So how can you avoid your close colleagues becoming a detriment? The fact that we spend the majority of our waking hours at work feeds the need to socialize and those that we work with often become close friends. You always have to keep in mind that you were hired to do a job and your job is your first priority. You simply can’t afford to allow friendships to deter you from your responsibilities. Think in terms of a public person and a private persona.
Begin any workplace friendship with ground rules for yourself. What’s the image that you wish to project publicly? If you don’t want to be known as a gossip then don’t get involved in office gossip. This may seem obvious but it is easy to get caught up in gossipy conversations especially when a co-worker is venting about someone that you yourself don’t like. Stick to the rule of not getting involved at the office. Even outside of work, going for dinner or a drink, be careful about what you say.
How about a really lovely co-worker with a fun personality that doesn’t seem to be able to do their job? It’s a difficult situation because the co-worker is highly likeable but basically incompetent. Associating with this person, at work, is going to reflect upon you.
If your job entails any type of public presence, you need to double up and lock down. Be mindful of social media sites and even your private associations.
It may seem calculating to pick and choose work friends. But if you remember that work is work, you were hired to do a job and the future of your career is at stake, does it still seem calculating?
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