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Friends vs. Friendly: Which Is the Best Leadership Strategy? |
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Friends vs. Friendly: Which Is the Best Leadership Strategy?
If you've worked with the same company for several years, you've probably built many friendships. Some of your coworkers might be close friends, while others are individuals with whom you might share a weekend story on Monday morning. A friendship at work can become a powerful networking tool or a toxic relationship. What works best when you are in a leadership position?
"In general, casual -- not close -- friendships are preferable in business.... Casual ones are safest, but carefully managed close or best ones will also help," says Dr. Jan Yager, author of Business Protocol. In her survey of 126 human resource managers, 37 percent said they got their current job through someone they knew, and 25 percent said they got their job through a close friend or family member. So close or distant friendships can be a real advantage. How Do You Make Friendships Work at Work? To maintain dignity and respect in your leadership position, you need to follow a few important tips.
While there's evidence that workplace friendships can have a positive effect, do you really need to have your best friend working beside you all day long? If you have developed friendships at work, make it a practice to avoid wild parties and constant happy hours with the gang. Go have a drink to show you are part of the team, and then make a quick exit. Finally, find yourself a mentor within the company. Typically, a mentor is someone who is older and wiser -- someone who can show you the ropes. Developing such a relationship can help you avoid spending too much time with your friends. This relationship also will help your career. Then, if you're lucky, your mentor will become a lifelong friend, too. |