At the Acme School of Advertising, we were taught to discuss absolutely anything with clients with the exception of religion and politics. In essence, keep it lively but never personal. It seemed reasonable enough at the time. Sports, movies and weekends at the lake were low risk. And yet, as we meet people we admire and respect, getting to know more about what’s important to them and revealing more about who we are and what we believe remains a thorny point of navigation for many professionals. In the ad biz, clients often want to talk about things outside their professional scope, like family, money, faith and politics. Our common denominator is high pressure lives. And as we begin to know more about each other, we often share in the modern afflictions that ail us all. We’re over connected, over worked and grasping for real moments. So within the workplace, how do we connect with transparency, honesty and openness?
For me the answer has been a bit of a work in progress. As a young exec, I was cautioned to always remain guarded and never reveal anything personal. The result was an efficient, but isolated professional life. The job always got done, but work became somewhat compartmentalized. Co-workers and clients never knew much about me and vice-versa. My choice was to reserve the friendships and intimacy for old friends and family. Some people may be very adept at compartmentalizing. But it didn’t work for me. In a twist, I became increasingly isolated from everyone including family, friends, coworkers and clients. Not a great recipe for happiness or service to others.
So over the last 10 years I’ve learned to break old habits and find a balance that works. As a professional, a Christian, a father and a man, I’ve discovered there is little to fear about transparency. In fact, most of what’s revealed may not be terribly interesting, but the willingness to be open is. Obviously, there are certain lines of discretion and appropriateness never to cross. But for me, it’s proven to be healthy and promotes genuine trust and connection.
Comments 3
“In fact, most of what is there may not be terribly interesting, but the willingness to be open is”
Amen.
I was a marketing major in school and many things I was taught went completely opposite to how I felt. Everything was so programmed and fake. It is refreshing to see you and others taking an honest and role.
Authenticity will always draw me in.
Posted 30 Aug 2008 at 9:44 am ¶Interesting subject. I have wondered about the correct balance for years now. I’ve worked at a place where no personal information was shared, which was really sterile, but I’ve also worked at a place where they all informed me of their religious opinions, medical problems, and marriage status on the first day, which was too much. We seem to have a good balance going on at our office. It’s the most comfortable I’ve felt with co-workers. Not too impersonal but not too personal that it’s uncomfortable.
That is, I’m not uncomfortable at work, but you’re the one who’s employed a blog stalker, so you might be the uncomfortable one.
Posted 03 Sep 2008 at 11:24 am ¶“Obviously, there are certain lines of discretion and appropriateness never to cross.”
Oh, crud. Maybe you should have gone over those with me in the interview…
Silliness aside, I, as you know, appreciate the friendship and openness we’ve cultivated between us over the last several years. I think it’s had a large hand in creating the fantastic atmosphere and team we enjoy today.
Posted 03 Sep 2008 at 9:05 pm ¶Post a Comment