Let’s ponder
Reflecting on your past experiences, can you share instances where you’ve grappled with balancing personal relationships with colleagues and professional standards in the workplace?
What doubts or challenges have you faced in navigating this delicate balance?
In the world of sports, where passion, camaraderie, and competition intersect, the story of Luis Rubiales, President of the Spanish Football Federation, and Jennifer Hermoso, a talented soccer player, captured both attention and controversy. After a high-stakes game, a moment that should have been a celebration turned into a debate about appropriate workplace behavior.
Jennifer Hermoso has said that the kiss wasn’t consensual. So that is pretty much the end of discussion and I personally disapprove of Luis Rubiales actions.
Now, let us imagine if the act was consensual and in the moment of joy and victory, the President of the Spanish Football Federation and the player shared a kiss. Is that okay? Or even that is not an appropriate behavior?
To some, the argument seemed clear-cut. If the action was consensual and stemmed from a close relationship, was it not a private matter between two individuals? However, a deeper examination raised pertinent questions about leadership, workplace dynamics, and the signals being sent to those observing.
Many argued that the issue lay in the message it sent to the larger team and the organization. Leaders like Luis Rubiales are not just individuals; they embody the culture and values of the institution they represent. A seemingly innocent gesture can set a precedent for others, creating an environment where boundaries between personal and professional realms blur.
This kind of behavior is not limited to leaders showing this kind of affection to the team members, but you will see these behavior in corporates when
- Feedback given/received in rude or too friendly way
- Shouting and yelling when there is stress
- Sharing inappropriate humor or comments with each other, (but other who can also hear it, feels uncomfortable)
- Taking too much about past personal memories of each other (that others in the team don’t know or can relate)
- Not challenging one another, because of friendship
- The team member receives information from the leader (also friend) before everyone else does.
My personal experience – My 1st month’s experience in a new job
As a newcomer to the team, I was excited but also a bit nervous about joining a group that had already established dynamics. On my first month, I walked into a meeting where Leader Tom and Steve (I changed their names), two individuals with a long history of camaraderie, were engaged in a heated argument. Their voices raised, and their faces flushed with intensity as they exchanged sharp words. I exchanged uneasy glances with the other new team members, wondering what I had walked into.
Tom and Steve seemed to understand the context of their exchange, and their banter was something they had probably shared many times before. However, for me and the other newcomers, it was anything but normal. It felt uncomfortable, unsettling, and, frankly, unprofessional. I had always believed in open and respectful communication within a team, and this unexpected confrontation left me hesitant about speaking up or being candid with my leader, Tom.
Saby : “ I don’t like how Steve was treated and how he was yelled at. Made me feel very uncomfortable”
Tom– “ We have been friends for 15 years, and always speak to each other like this. You should worry about these things”
Gradually, I realized that the assumption among the older team members was that such interactions were the norm and even a sign of a healthy working relationship. However, for someone like me, who had joined with the expectation of a collaborative and respectful work environment, this ongoing spectacle was perplexing and demotivating. I became hesitant to voice my opinions during meetings, fearing a similar backlash.
Similarly, in Luis and Jennifer’s case, his behavior could inadvertently signal to the team that such behavior is acceptable, potentially fostering an atmosphere where distinctions between professional conduct and personal relationships become ambiguous.
Leadership comes with a responsibility to set a standard that prioritizes professionalism, respect, and inclusivity. While personal relationships are a part of any workplace, leaders must be cautious about the signals their actions send. Striving for a culture where everyone feels comfortable and respected should be paramount. The impact of actions can often transcend the intentions behind them.
In the end, the story of Luis Rubiales serves as a reminder that leaders hold the power to shape the work environment. Even in instances where a gesture might be rooted in friendship and consent, the broader implications for workplace dynamics cannot be ignored. It highlights the delicate balance between personal connections and professional conduct that leaders must navigate with care.