Crossing Tides

Lessons on intertwining business & professional relationships

My Best Friend's Business 

"A friend offered me an opportunity to make additional income which I thought would be beneficial to me and my family. I never considered that our friendship would be at risk later. In the beginning process of starting my career I agreed to do some work for her and it continued for a while. Recently, I was unable to fulfill a task that was asked of me due to an uncontrollable situation. I reached out to her to try to apologize but that only made things worse. Our exchange of words lead to a argument and the ending result left us with a ruined friendship."

Your friendship must be strong enough to endure any obstacles. In business, you are responsible for providing a service and people are counting on you to meet their professional expectations. If the business relationship fails, your personal relationship should not suffer. Everyone has their own feelings on the level of drive needed to experience successes. The amount of effort needed should be expressed to your professional associate in order to hold them accountable. The first moment that you offered the opportunity is the moment that you crossed that personal boundary.

My Significant Other's Expectations 

"Right now I'm dating my co-worker and at times it can be testing. I feel like I have to be on pins and needles every time an attractive woman walks in the building. Now having her there is a perk she understands what I deal with because we work together and often can assist me with requested task asked of me by executive management. Seeing each other everyday all day is not healthy and some separation time is needed."

When you select a mate you look for someone that is interested in being your partner, maybe or maybe not. There are perks to working with your lover and there are downers that can break you apart. You must communicate with your partner the importance of space and act on creating space. In order for you to be productive and accomplish your goals within a business or organization you must set standards by acting on them consistently.

My family Over Everything

"I hired my cousin for a position at the factory because we have a great relationship, wrong decision. Recently, my cousin started being late and calling off for days at a time with excuses of being ill. I noticed the other day on Facebook that he attended a party and obviously forgot that I follow him on social media. I'm starting to regret the fact that I hired him and unfortunately I will be firing him do to lack of performance. I know that this is going to affect our relationship."

Having something to pass down to your children or to other family is important.When you own your own business or invest a great amount of time within a company your expectations for those that work for you are usually high. You should communicate with your family member the expectations that you have before you offer the position. Hold them accountable at the beginning so they have no excuses but to go the extra mile or turn down the opportunity.

Crossing Tides Part #1


-N.B.S