Working with Friends

 To most of us our personal relationships and friendships are important parts of our lives, and they can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. When we end up working together with a friend at a company, our personal relationships and friendships can be both strengthened and/or challenged. Even more so when one person is in a management position and the other is a subordinate. As a life coach, I have seen this dynamic play out in many workplaces, and in this post, I will provide some insights and advice on how to navigate this situation.

Let’s consider the strengthening impact of working together on personal relationships and friendships. When we work with someone, we spend a significant amount of time with them, and we get to know them a lot more. We may find out that we share common interests, goals, and experiences, which can create a stronger bond. This can be particularly true when we work on projects or tasks together and experience a sense of accomplishment and teamwork.

On the other hand, working together can also put a strain on personal relationships and friendships. We may experience conflicts or disagreements related to work, which can or may spill over into our personal lives. We may feel stressed or overwhelmed by work, which can affect our ability to be present in our personal relationships. And in some cases, we may feel like we need to put up a professional front at work, which can make it harder to be vulnerable or authentic in our personal relationships.

Now if the personal relationship or friendship is one where the dynamic is between a manager and a subordinate can or may impact the personal relationships and friendships even more. When one person is in a management position, there is a power dynamic at play. This can make it harder to establish an equal and balanced relationship outside of work. The subordinate may feel like they need to be more deferential or cautious in their interactions with the manager, which can create a sense of distance, tension or distrust. On the other hand, the manager may feel they need to maintain a certain level of professionalism or distance to avoid any perception of favouritism or impropriety.

So, how can we navigate these complex dynamics and maintain healthy personal relationships and friendships in the workplace? Here are some tips:

1. Set clear boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Make sure you clearly understand with your colleague or friend when it's appropriate to discuss work-related matters and when it's not.

2. Communicate openly and honestly: Be open and honest with your colleague or friend about your feelings and concerns. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed at work, let them know. If you're experiencing conflicts or disagreements, address them directly and respectfully.

  

 3. Focus on the relationship: Try to prioritize your personal relationship or friendship outside of work. Make time to do things together that have nothing to do with work, and focus on building a strong connection outside of the office.

4. Be mindful of power dynamics: If you're in a management position, be mindful of the power dynamics at play and try to be sensitive to the subordinate's feelings and concerns. If you're the subordinate, try to be respectful and professional while maintaining a sense of equality in your interactions.

5. Seek support when needed: If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to navigate the dynamics of your personal relationships or friendships in the workplace, seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or professional.

In conclusion, personal relationships and friendships can be both strengthened and/or challenged by working together at a company, particularly when one person is in a management position and the other is a subordinate. By setting clear boundaries, communicating openly and honestly, focusing on the relationship, being mindful of power dynamics, and seeking support when needed, we can navigate these complex dynamics and maintain healthy personal relationships and friendships in the workplace.