Is it possible to make true friendships at work?

As human beings, we feel the need to belong to a group, being accepted by it and part of their identity. Often the group to which we belong is made up of our troupe of friends, our classmates, or those who attend the same religious organization as us. This defines our ability to live in society. But is it possible to make real friends in the workplace?

In a company, people come together with the most diverse personalities to cooperate and develop teamwork. The result can be very positive from the point of view of the variety of opinions and viewpoints that ultimately influence decisions but, on the other hand, all this diversity can eventually lead to some conflicts between employees.

This is because their individual goals differ from each other and so the way they handle a particular situation is also likely to be different. Even so, as coexistence at work is daily, it is necessary to do everything possible so that the relationship with colleagues is good.

The pack

As we become part of a group, whether school, professional, religious or otherwise, we feel compelled to follow our most primitive instincts. The feeling of sympathy or dislike for certain people or goals leads us to divide our companions between those we dislike and those with whom we share affinities.

In the workplace this view can be detrimental as it compromises the relationship of the team as a whole. It is important to remember, therefore, that form the famous? Cliques? It may seem natural from the standpoint of survival in a larger group, but it tends to make integration difficult. Even so, we tend to select our favorites and isolate the others.

True friendship

A true friendship can be built during long working hours with a particular person, but it will not be overnight. In general, the rules for finding a friend in the company are the same as those we use to find him anywhere else: common interests, tastes, similar personal values, and famous affinity are key elements of true friendship.

Once these points of agreement have been identified, the time spent together will determine the strength of the friendship created. For those who are changing jobs, it will be more complicated to keep in touch with colleagues in each place you work. On the other hand, a long period of time spent with the same people, so that companionship transcends the workplace and extends to the personal lives of those involved.

Another factor to consider is the hierarchical relationship within the company. If your friend has become your boss or vice versa, it is up to you not to allow this difference in hierarchy to affect the developed relationship.

When this level of interaction is reached, it is unlikely that any change in employment will affect the relationship, but it will depend on each party maintaining contact, making appointments and talking whenever possible.

After all, if the work routine takes us away from most friends, why couldn't we approach entirely new (real) friends?

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