We once wrote a post on avoiding cultivation of friendships in professional settings. Yes, there are no friends in professional settings, only associates, some closer than others.

We know there are lots of stuff in popular culture that might make one doubt the possibility of having real friends in professional settings. However, we know that it is best to avoid making ‘friends’ in these settings.

At Lingo Africa, the foremost human capital development platform in Abuja, Nigeria, we always advise our clients to avoid friendships in professional settings.

The brutal truth is that any relationship formed in these settings, is mostly borne out of motives – newbies are concerned with how to climb the corporate ladder, executives are looking to mentor others, some to satisfy their ego, others to be altruistic and pass down knowledge to young ones, while some others are looking out for yes-men/women; those who will agree with everything they do or say, whether wrong or right.

It is better for you as a professional to be aware that when you leave yourself open for ‘friendships’ in professional settings, you could end up being used by those who know how to play the corporate game.

No matter where you work or what you aspire to be, always hold your head high and believe in yourself. Be polite and cordial with everyone. Never lose your temper with anyone. Train yourself to be the one who never raises his/her voice, no matter the provocation. Avoid gossips and backbiters.

Treat everyone the same and avoid expecting friendships from your work colleagues or those you work with on whatever level. They are not your friends, do not relate with them as friends, but work colleagues. Keep this in mind and you will never be a victim of corporate betrayal, like many others before you.

Source - https://lingoafrica.com/professional-settings-are-not-for-developing-friendships/

Lingo Africa.

I totally agree with you

no friend for jungle
lol

I've made a couple of life time friends on the job.
My mum is still friends with a couple of her colleagues after she retired 20 years ago.

...

I don't really agree with this, I have made friends in a professional setting who are more like my family today. Though what works for my u might not work for the other person.

Experience differs at different workplaces but it's very important to be cautious of the OP advice when u're just employed to work with new people. Friendship is not encouraged in average work environment in this clime especially if it's a place where money flows in and out directly or indirectly like awarding contracts etc (I have my reasons for these). My God saves us from daredevil people.

AbdulAkpan:


No matter where you work or what you aspire to be, always hold your head high and believe in yourself. Be polite and cordial with everyone. Never lose your temper with anyone. Train yourself to be the one who never raises his/her voice, no matter the provocation. Avoid gossips and backbiters.

Treat everyone the same and avoid expecting friendships from your work colleagues or those you work with on whatever level. They are not your friends, do not relate with them as friends, but work colleagues. Keep this in mind and you will never be a victim of corporate betrayal, like many others before you.

Source - https://lingoafrica.com/professional-settings-are-not-for-developing-friendships/

Lingo Africa.

I like this part. Kudos

MissW:

I like this part. Kudos

Thank you, Miss W!

...