Being Fake vs Civil

Happy Monday, Corporate Sisters! 

Short week this week for America’s birthday!

On this Monday morning, I want to chat about the concept of being “fake” versus being “civil and professional.” 

In both scenarios, you’re interacting with someone who isn’t your favorite person. 

First, I want to point out that EVERYONE has to do this - so you have to get good at it. Second, I want to say that it’s OKAY if every coworker isn’t your cup of tea. If you can show me someone who genuinely loves each and every person they interact with at work, I’ll be shocked. 

The main distinctions here are honesty, and how you talk about them when they’re not around. 

Being “fake” might entail you having a 10 minute chat with Sarah about how much you LOVE the graphic design work she does for the company, and then later turning around and telling your work bestie how terrible Sarah’s designs are. You were (1.) dishonest to Sarah during your conversation with her, and (2.) rude about her behind her back. 

You can easily dig yourself into a hole with this behavior, because word might get around that people can’t trust what you say to them.

Being “civil and professional” in this situation might just mean keeping your thoughts to yourself. You don’t need to start a conversation with Sarah about how much you love her design work if you don’t actually feel that way. If she comes and asks for your opinion and you don’t feel comfortable giving polite and professional feedback, then don’t rave about how much you love it. Just pick something you do like about it, and say that. 

BUT, don’t then go talk behind her back. 

Now, it’s not necessarily “being fake” to be kind to someone you don’t like. It’s fine to ask Sarah about her weekend, or compliment her outfit. That’s called being civil. And you may even help improve your relationship with her, or come to find out that you do have things in common. 

Alright ladies, as always: you can either kick this week’s ass, or let it kick yours.