Relationships At Work..

[Mitchell]

What I'm about to post is a general question, and not about me. I want to start with a disclaimer that there is no one in particular that I'm interested in now, either at the office, or anywhere else for that matter. However. I heard something this week, that I wanted to post to start discussion about.

I've posted in my blog about Sales School, and how the new agents are learning how to sell, cold call. (My personal weakness), etc etc.

The Sales School teacher, just like everyone else I've met so far at the company, is an absolutely incredible man. I love his personality.

However.. he made a stern statement to us this week.

In his opinion, he doesn't advise agents to engage in romantic relationships at the office.. His reasoning is that business should not be mixed with pleasure. He made some reference saying that.. even in in the case of a relationship gone bad.. if.. for example.. a woman complained about bad treatment by an ex boyfriend, either emotional abuse, perceived harassment,.,. or any other complaint.. whoever is complained about.. will have their contract terminated.

Granted.,. those who know me know that I've done a lot of independent work, and this is the first time I've worked in a real public company. His lecture surprised me a bit.. but.. upon thinking about it.. his advice is probably best.. for several reasons.

This way,.. any personal issues are kept out of the office.

Additionally, I could just see.. if I got romantically involved with another agent.. it would be possible that my personal interests.. Feet, tickling, ladders? Could be discussed. Er,... Noooooo!

Forgetting those scenarios.. I was curious to know what the opinions are of his lecture and advice? Do people think its the right advice..or.. are office relationships okay?

Thoughts on this?

 

[milagros317]

IMHO, it is best to keep relationships separate from your place of work.
My father put it crudely when giving me advice about this, "Don't shit where you eat."
A more polite version is, "Don't foul your own kitchen."

 

[Mitchell]

I see your point, mils, and your father was probably right.

I believe my grandmother used to say the same thing.

 

[wolfman40]

The phrase we use here is don't shit on your own doorstep 🙂

I fell for a lady I worked with many moons ago, and we got close, but I was in a relationship at the time so didn't take it any further..

Am ok with it now, but sometimes wonder about it

 

[Lord Doctor]

I don't think I've ever seen it turn out well. Personally, it's never happened in the working environment.

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks, wolfman. I see your point.

Thanks, Lord Doctor.

As I said before.. this doesn't apply to me now in any way. I was more just trying to get feedback, about what the trainer told the new agents the other day is all.

 

[Lord Doctor]

The trainer has a valid point. But, it's not his call.

 

[Mitchell]

I know that, Lord Doctor.

 

[sophilos]

Corporate motivation

Hey, 'Lad! Happy Super Bowl Weekend! 'Got any skin in this one? Or are you with us Disinterested Observers?

Corporations are essentially sociopathic, inhuman. When a corporate representative speaks to you in terms of ordinary personal meaning-for-the-best, it's code.

Corporations fear liability. For decades under free enterprise and for centuries before, women were second-class citizens and vulnerable to economic and sexual exploitation with little recourse.

For years to come, a woman crying will be too expensive for corporate America. If they can bounce a low-ranking butt or two on the sidewalk to minimize their cash liability, then that's their first choice of solutions. Your mentor is warning you, in the most underhanded of terms.

They are not even interested in trying to sort the legitimate victims from the gold-diggers. Open the corporation to sexual harassment/discrimination/et cetera liability and they will wash you away just before they slap a fresh white coat on the lobby walls.

As far as the company is concerned, you have been warned.

So what's your call on the spread for tomorrow?

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks, soph.

About the Super Bowl: I'm not a football fan, sorry. I'm a fan of baseball. I wouldn't even begin to speculate what's going to happen, because I simply have no idea.

 

[sophilos]

I just finished Moneyball a couple of nights back. There are such great stories in baseball.

I might rather watch football but, if I'd been so incredibly lucky as to have had the talent to choose, I'd have played baseball.

Mets or Yankees? Dodgers?

 

[Angel_2]

It would be wise to never start any relationship at work, if things ended badly it could in turn create a stressful situation at work if you had to say work with your ex on a project or at meetings and things like that. There is nothing wrong with becoming great friends with a female co worker but you've always got to be careful to never let it get past the point of a relationship unless she or you left the company its just safer that way for everyone.

 

[Mitchell]

Angel, I see your point, and I agree.

 

[JJB]

While I know some people who got married after originally meeting at work, I know some people who had their personal or professional reputation ruined at work as well because of a relationship ending badly and one person spreading rumors about the other one, who would end up quitting in embarrassment.

I wouldn't say "yes" or "no" either way, even though I'd lean toward "no". If you live in/near a big city, it's probably not worth it to get into a relationship with somebody you work with due to other opportunities. People from small(er) towns though that don't have many options on where to meet somebody might consider it though.

If both people are understanding and can keep it separate from their work lives, it can certainly work out. However, the job is the priority so if the "risk" isn't worth losing a job over, it's time to move on.

 

[Kara'sSmile]

Unless you seriously think the person at work is worth losing your job over, I'd steer clear.

 

[Dussicar]

Out of curiosity, how do the Women dress at your workplace?

Be specific. If there is a fraction of those who dress differently, then go into specifics on them, as well.