Research generally shows that having friends at work can increase productivity and engagement. However, a new study by Wharton researchers Julianna Pillemer and Nancy Rothbard finds that there can be a dark side to having friends at work, especially if what’s best for the friendship conflicts with what’s best for the organization.
When You and Your Friend Both Want the Same Promotion
Having a friend at work has proven to increase engagement and productivity. But what do you do when a work friend and you are both up for a promotion – or in any other competitive scenario where one of you stands to “win” while the other stands to “lose”? First, emotional balance and perspective are critical. Remind yourself that this is just one of many promotions that will come up in your career trajectory. Perspective will also help you realize that your friendship is probably more important than the promotion. Second, keep your feelings of self-worth in check. The outcome of the selection is not a judgment on you. Promotions can often be arbitrary and subjective. It’s not always about who is better for the job. Finally, talk to your friend about the situation and diffuse the tension as best you can.