Achieving a perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness at workplace

Building relationships with others is an art and can be even more complicated when it involves business. Depending on the size, the industry and the workplace, the relationship between employees, managers and directors could be different.

No matter what kind of company, the human relationship is an important aspect and one that can’t be overlooked.Professionalism is showcased in order to enhance our professional goals, whereas Friendliness arises out of our basic human need for connection and belonging.

Professionalism

Professionalism establishes the way you carry yourself, your attitude and the ways you communicate with others.

Being professional can create a positive first impression, successful interpersonal relationships and a long lasting reputation in the workplace.

A few tips on how to be professional or develop professionalism in the workplace

1. Follow the company’s policies and rules.
2. Be responsible by becoming an asset to the company.
3. Show respect to everyone and be courteous.
4. Avoid office politics & gossip.
5. Demonstrate a professional attitude and keep your words.

For eg: Imagine if you feel very close to your colleagues and go drinking with them after work one day, you get wasted and bad-mouthed someone in the office. It is undoubtedly unprofessional and could result in awkward situations, and even unnecessary drama within the workplace.

?Friendliness

Making friends in the workplace can help develop your career because it has very little to do with influencing people. That’s because a friendly disposition and sociable presence in the office can create a positive impact on yourself and those around you. Having friends around you at work makes you more likely to feel you can bounce back from mistakes and take on big challenges.

A few tips on how to be friendly or develop friendliness in the workplace

1. Spend time and be honest with one another.
2. Embark new experiences together and treasure those moments.
3. Providing support, encouragement and care.
4. Learn to exhibit a character of warmth and a habit of smiling.
5. Avoid being snobbish and manage stress.

For eg: As an employee, is it important to be friendly and on good terms with your colleague. However, this does not necessarily mean friends who hang out outside of the workplace and share personal stories. You can still have a friendship with your colleague, but keep it within the office. This allows you to be well liked, while not crossing over the line that would cause the organization culture to become a lot more complex and messy.

Is friendliness good or bad in the workplace?

Positive note:

Friendship in the company with team members/colleagues can strengthen company culture, give good productivity and workplace satisfaction.?

For eg: Employees who have a friend at work are less likely to search for other jobs. Work friendships provide a sense of work-life balance that allows employees to enjoy a social life in their workplace.

Negative note:

Being too friendly with your team can lead to doubts around favoritism and paves way for gossiping, backbiting, and making the workplace hazardous.

For eg: The people-pleaser doesn't want to risk upsetting his work friends or losing his invitation to happy hour, so he doesn't reprimand employees when they break the rules or don't follow set procedures. This may lead to other employees becoming resentful or unmotivated to follow the rules.

With great understanding, we can be both friendly and professional at the same time.

Focus more on the purpose of what you are doing. Speaking your mind out is always not fun. While some may like it, others may hate you for it.?

Many people feel bad in receiving negative feedback, especially when it's from someone they know. Be aware of whom you talk to. Give feedback or advice if asked.