Over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion there are three kinds of people in my professional life. And it’s important to understand where these kinds of people fit in your life, or otherwise you can find yourself in some sticky situations.
The first are the ones I call “hang out at the bar” people. These are the people you immediately click with. You genuinely like them and they like you. From a personality perspective, you get along.
Then there are the people you want to work with. These aren’t the “hang out” people. When you have something that needs to get done, you want them on your team. They get things done and do it right the first time.
I want to draw a distinction because this is where you can get into trouble. A person has a “friend” who they get along with so they figure it would be fun to work on a project with them. Pretty soon they find out what working with that person is like. Maybe the friend doesn’t meet a deadline. Or the quality of their work isn’t up to your standard.
But they’re a friend. Now you have a decision to make:
- Confront the friend hoping they understand. Let’s face it, most times this means the end of the friendship.
- Let the friend slide and hurt the project. And depending on your role, this may/may not affect you in the future.
- Buck it up and take on all the work yourself. This usually involves bottling up some serious resentment on your part.
Of course, the last type of person is the one that fits into both categories. You like them and you want to work on a project with them. They pull their weight and you can laugh with them at the end of the day.
All of these people are important in your professional life. They are all valuable. But making sure you understand your relationship with them is key.
- You don’t want to invite the “friends” to work on projects if they aren’t able to deliver for you.
- You shouldn’t ask project colleagues to hang out if it will make working with them uncomfortable.
- And the people who can do both, well … recognize there aren’t that many of them and cherish the uniqueness of the relationship.
It’s important to realize the strengths (and weaknesses) in our personal and professional relationships. Collaborate with others when it makes sense – for the project and the relationship. It will save you a lot of heartburn.
Image courtesy NOAA Photo Library
Steve Browne says
Great perspective Sharlyn and so true !! It is a great reminder to take note of what how our relationships truly are defined. My hope is to surround myself with more friends that I’d work with.
I think that environment can be both creative and supportive at the same time. Also, if the friends are truly “friends” and not just people who like each other’s company, you can be accountable with each other in very healthy ways.
Thanks, as always, for sharing your sage advice !!
Sharlyn Lauby says
Thanks for the comment Steve. I think you nailed it with the “if they are truly your friends…”
Anne Murguia says
The get-things-done people can also become the friends you count on in the long run. After this phase: “When you have something that needs to get done, you want them on your team….” then you may just want them on your friend team. The work environment can reveal personal characteristics that you would not find out in a social setting.
Thanks for the thoughtful post. We spend so much time at work but may not think about those relationships enough.
Sharlyn Lauby says
@Anne – Thanks for the comment. It’s possible the relationship can evolve if both people are willing to work at it. Good point.