In the business world, there are a few phrases that are never used together in the same sentence. The first is "business and pleasure." This is due to the fact that many people, for obvious reasons, find it difficult to strike a balance between the two.
Businesses, in general, should not be a part of one's personal life. Too often, people make this mistake and then wonder why things go wrong in their businesses or in their lives. This is not to say that it is always harmful; however, there is the saying that "prevention is better than cure."
This can happen in a variety of ways, such as fraternizing with colleagues, beginning a work romance, or choosing to do business with friends or family members. It is completely unacceptable.
If you disagree with this viewpoint, consider this: how do you penalize an elderly relative for repeatedly arriving late for work or failing miserably at duties assigned?
How do you chastise a best friend who violates strict company policies because the 'CEO' is a bestie? How comfortable are you when you have to deduct from your girlfriend's paycheck due to a workplace error?
I am a classic example of this discourse; not once, but twice. Twice, I got involved with friends, and both times, we fell out. It was no one's fault that things turned ugly so quickly.
It is commonly stated that two lions cannot coexist as kings in the jungle. We all wanted to be the decision-makers, and we all wanted to make a statement. Disagreements and apathy on the part of some team members cost us what could have been a profitable business venture.
Call a conference meeting, and someone will be absent because he or she is still upset about a disagreement we had.
When you mix business and pleasure, you automatically throw professionalism out the window. Professionalism should be the new mantra for any striving business. When a business setting includes friends, lovers, or relatives, the setup becomes formal. It is characterized by a formal code of conduct. From clothing to communication and so on.
However, this is not the case in all situations. Still, when the dividing line between professionalism and personal relationships becomes blurred, there is every tendency that professionalism will be a myth in the organization.
The most common explanation for 'mixing business and pleasure' is getting romantically involved with a colleague, especially if you work closely with them. The primary reason this should not occur is that it is detrimental to business.
Have you ever wondered why companies do not encourage romantic relationships between employees? Or why do you have to keep it under wraps when dating a coworker? The answer is simple: it is distracting.
Even if you do complete the task, you will be too absorbed in each other, especially if you are truly in love or the relationship is fresh, limiting productivity. Again, this is not to say that all businesses involving pleasure fail. Some do, while others don't. Just be careful.
What are your thoughts on mixing business with pleasure? Have you ever dated a colleague? If yes, did it interfere with your productivity?