Strict With Work, Soft With People

After more than two years of working, I’ve realised there are two broad ways to get things done at work.

The first is to be purely professional. Serious, with hard cut-offs. No personal relationships. You do what you’re supposed to do, and you expect others to do the same.

The second is to be friendly. Strict about the work, but flexible and supportive with the people doing it.

With experience, I can say the second one wins, every time.

Not because it’s nicer, but because of what it does when things get hard. People stretch further for someone they have a relationship with. When you’re in a tight spot, they help you out, without being asked twice.

If you don’t build personal, cordial relationships at work, people will do their job. But they won’t go the extra mile for you.

So here’s my lesson: be strict about the work, and flexible with the people. Make sure they always feel you’re on their side.

Deadlines get things done. Relationships get them done when it really matters.