Can you work with friends?

We’ve talked about building up work relationships that build up our career, as well as scoring genuine  relationships at work. However, when it comes to relationships at work, how close is too close? Can you work with your friends? If so, how do you maintain the necessary professional boundaries, while preserving your own personal ties?

My $0.05: I’ve worked with friends before, and although I would like to give a one-sided, objective answer to this question, I would have to say, yet again, it depends. It depends a whole lot. About your environment, the type of friendship you have, and the type of person you’re dealing with, not to mention the mindset you’re in. My best work relationships with friends have been one where both m y friends and I knew the difference between being friends at work, and being friends outside of work. Work came first at work, while personal and professional boundaries were clearly set and expected to be respected. Outside of work, friendship was a priority, and work was left…at work.

And of course, for those work relationships with ex-friends I’d rather bury in a deep, dark corner of my mind, they may have thrived and flourished better, had clearer limits been set, and hard conversations been had earlier on. You live, you learn, right…

What has your experience been with friends at work? Would you even be willing to work with a friend?

The Corporate Sister.