Weekends should be spent with your real friends – not your office ones

By Brian Maynor

 

 

Office friendships are inevitable, after all you spend more time with your coworkers than you do anyone else in your life, but you shouldn’t treat them the same as your non-work friends because they are very different.

Getting a long with coworkers is more about being friendly than friends. These are people whom you may have to share space with or have known for years, but the connection is very limited to work and work-related issues. That makes them very tricky to navigate and maintain. Here are a few tips to remember before turning a co-worker into a confidant:

 

1.    Loosing focus. Having people you enjoy spending time with at work has it benefits one of which is making work more fun, and there is nothing wrong with socializing over a coffee break, but beware of excessive time spent chatting instead of working. Also no one wants to be that clique that alienates others with constant gossiping or playing office politics. This could lead to resentment and mistrust among peers and supervisors.

2.    Shifting dynamics. Career goals can also be an added strain on office friendships without proper boundaries. Naturally we gravitate toward people who are like us or in similar positions, but competition for promotions and assignments can strain these relationships causing jealousy and resentment. These could be made worse if one friend is elevated to manager or supervisor over the other one.

3.    Choosing the right friends. Just like in school, at work you are judged by the company you keep. So choose your work friends wisely. Look for people known for their good work habits because not only will they rub off on you, but their positive attributes will be reflected back onto you.

4.    Keep it light. One of the best ways to keep office relationships friendly, without getting too personal is to avoid any ‘heavy’ topics like religion, politics of any kind, and limit the amount of personal information you share. Another tip is to keep the conversations positive, and avoid getting trapped in the loop of constant complaining. Whether you like the bosses new haircut or not, keep it to yourself as well as any management decisions with which you may disagree.

5.    Spend time with your non-work friends. These are the people that you love and trust unconditionally and have absolutely no connection to your job. Not only can you be free with your opinions, sharing with these impartial confidants can help you avoid the temptation of getting too personal with office mates.

 

Office friends are good things and offer support, encouragement and professional growth, but it’s important to keep them in perspective and honor the superficial, limited connection that ties you together. Navigating your career is complicated enough without excessive personal relationships thrown into the mix.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty. Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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