Personal Vs Professional Conversation

With the increasing thin line between work and personal life at work from home. Do you happen to confuse yourself among Professional and Personal conversations? Consciously/ unconsciously end up speaking and thinking later; umm was it appropriate to mention.

Let’s go through it together.

1. Before cracking that joke, think. Is it something someone can find offensive? You have people from different parts of the world. With various backgrounds and stories they themselves have been a part of. Each and everyone has different sentiments, believes and practice. And everyone deserves the respect. Think before you speak.

2. There is no harm in having a personal conversation to a dear friend at work, well you end up spending at least 1/3rd (or more) of your day/life at work so there must be some close bonds formed which will go a long-long way, some friends to confide in. But what you need to consider before having the talk is the professional capacity you are in. Keep professional-work/conversations independent of the personal conversation, be accountable and don’t expect any favours because you are close in relation.

3. The timing and place of the conversation also play a huge role, avoid sitting in a team/group of people and mutter in each other’s ear. This is a major Red Flag; not does it make the rest of the team uncomfortable but can also create major misunderstandings. Keep it away from the professional conduct and expectations.

4. One very important thing that slips from the mind is about the information being communicated both, formally and informally. Remember to put all formal communication on email, and avoid indulging in the informal /social communication over the formal portals.

5. It is not only about Intra-office communication/ conversation but also about the talk you have back home. On a call, remember the physical space you stand/sit in. What you say can also be heard by others, I am sure you won’t enjoy hearing what the person’s next to you neighbours are up to. Let the other person next to you also not go through the same.

Enjoy this piece and let me know about your thoughts on the same.