Managing Fine Line Between Personal & Professional Relationships While Working Together

It is human nature to form relationship. It arises out of our basic human need for love, connection and belonging. From the moment we are born, we form personal relations whereas, as we grow, we form professional relations to achieve professional/career goals but sometimes the boundaries between the two becomes very blurry when two people who started work/business together become family or close friends.

It is important to understand what is expected from each relation without overlapping the two and forgetting the bottom line.

Once the work and private lives become so interconnected, accept that you’ll never be able to fully separate the two and it requires to find a comfortable balance by setting realistic boundaries for work and personal life. Be upfront, from the outset, about the fact to maintain business relationship during working hours and a personal relationship outside of working hours and maintain that separation as much as possible. In the beginning, it may feel a little odd, but in the long run it will help protect both the personal and professional relations between the close friends or family members without damaging each other. Outside the office, take off the work hat and nurture the family relationships and bonding to make sure that they are not just built on a business interaction.?

Never let professional disputes become personal disputes and keep the emotional dynamics outside.

It is important to respect the roles and responsibilities of each other. Disagreements between business partners or in work relations are inevitable. Differences of opinion are just one of the ways to arrive at the best possible solution. When working together as family or close friend, it’s crucial to manage disagreements and disputes carefully because certain relations are precious, and you don’t want to damage or lose them over a workplace disagreement. Clear communication is the key. Sometimes, family members or close friends who share a close bond find it difficult to say what needs to be said in a fear of ruining the relationship. Don't be afraid to hold each other accountable.

While we trust our family and close friends and assume they have our best interests at heart, still it’s important to maintain legal standards. Don't leave the relationship undefined and a clear contract should be drawn up. These proactive steps will help to preserve the relationship. Maintain a healthy line of communication for information sharing between all the members and transparency should be maintained in all business dealings. This will not only avoid any dispute or disagreement it will also benefit mental well-being of all involved and harmony in their mutual relationship.

By extending a positive and fulfilling relationship you share to work together side by side, both could fulfil a common purpose and see a shared dream come to life. The key is to maintain the personal and professional relationships.

?P.S. This is my personal opinion based on my experience.