Some of us might have the dream of entering the same company and department as your BFF. But believe it or not, working with friends in a professional setting might just make or break your friendship. It’s the ultimate friendship test FR FR.
For Lemon8 user Germaine aka @pokkimin, working with a friend in the same company and department was one of her biggest mistakes she made in her life. She shared her tips on how to handle your friendship and work commitments.
While Germaine did not explicitly go into detail regarding her working experience with her friend and what transpired, she did mention that it was not the experience she had expected in her post. However, she did share her learnings from the ordeal, so that others can brace themselves for an event where friendships don’t translate to the workplace.
Germaine recounted that her colleagues would automatically assume that she and her friend work well together ━ simply because they are friends. If one were to underperform or has a bad work ethic, there is a chance that the other party would be associated as they are “buddies”. Germaine commented that it’s frustrating no matter whether the situation is in your favour or not.
Plus, it’s worse when a work issue were to come in between a friendship. Things will be taken personally and could potentially damage the friendship.
Which is why she shares that it’s important to set clear boundaries to avoid any future miscommunications. Plus, it helps to talk it out from a logical point of view rather than an emotional one. If the friend isn’t receptive, Germaine assured that it’s okay to keep the small talk to a minimum, based on personal experience.
Germaine advised her readers to be communicative with the said friend and deal with them as how you would with another colleague in a professional setting.
She went on to say that if issues arise, it can get messy and stressed to the point of not giving “special treatment” just because they are your friend. Germaine said it’s good to voice out your opinion to your friend if they are affecting your quality of work. But if the said friend is not reciprocative towards the given feedback and holds grudges, it’s a huge red flag.
If all else fails, Germaine voiced that it’s best to let the friendship go. If both parties were to still butt heads, it might ruin the friendship even further.
She also emphasised on how good friends will uplift and support you while valuing your opinions, especially in a work setting. If they don’t, it’s time to part ways.
While working with a friend might seem like a fun idea, it can do more harm than good. Hopefully, Germaine’s advice can help you reconsider your decision of working with a friend in the same department.
Thinking about applying for a job alongside your BFF? You might just want to turn to another listing to avoid any potential bad blood.
Cover: The Smart Local, source
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