How many career development plans have you seen that include such goals as “Aims to make new friends at work” or “Desires more extroverted skills, such as networking” or “Moving to remote island to work alone”? Issues of comrades, chums, and compatriots can be addressed by counselors – just be sure to use care and compassion! ~ David M. Reile, Ph.D.
FOCUS ON: How to Avoid Making Friends at Work
Some people want a professional separation. Work is work and everything else is private. While identifying this specific atmosphere in an employer, department, or team may be possible via interviewing and networking, it is not unachievable while working. The key is polite, persistent refusals to be drawn in to the social set at work. Read responses at AskaManager.org
JOB SEARCHING: Is the Candidate Recommended by a Trusted Friend?
Jobs are filled by referrals because hiring personnel do not like looking at unknowns. Remind job seekers that networking is a process that works! It just has to be implemented. Read more at CareerRealism.com
YOUR LIBRARY: They Don’t Teach Corporate in College
According to author Alexandra Levit, only if you are lucky will someone you meet at work become a friend for life. This may be a tough lesson for new and seasoned professionals to learn. Levit’s book, They Don’t Teach Corporate in College, offers a list of questions to ask to determine the difference between a work friend and real friend, such as “If your friend left the company, would you still be in touch a year later?” Read more.
TOP TEN: Questions To Ask Before Beginning a Business Relationship With a Friend
“What will each of our roles be” is an obvious question before partnering with a friend. “How in-sync is our risk tolerance?” may be a less obvious question. See all ten questions at Entrepreneur.com
QUOTES
Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathise with a friend’s success. - Oscar Wilde
Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit. - Aristotle