Professional Distance

What is Professional Distance? Well my definition of Professional Distance is maintaining a relationship that is strong enough internally to grow business ventures however does not jeopardize respect or personal integrity. In business so many times we forget about having professional distance. Sure there are going to be times in which employees, managers and customers are all going to become more than what they are and eventually become friends. The major question is how do these relationships happen and what are you doing to maintain professional distance?

For example lets say you become very close friends with an employee you eventually become the best man in his wedding and even god parent to his children. Then on one Monday morning you find that this person has a gambling problem and has been stealing money every day from the company to protect his family. Well a person who has neglected professional distance is now torn with and ethical and morale obstacle that will not be fixed without complications.

Professional distance is not difficult and in most cases is the most powerful way to build relationships. There is nothing wrong with building long term relationships and friendships as studies have shown this is a way to lead and generate new business. However maintaining a professional distance is key as each person will be faced with making a tough decision that will impact the relationship.

Here is another example: Mr Smith is a purchasing manager at an industrial company and has been purchasing paint from the same vendor for 15 years. Their relationship has grown and over the years they have went on family vacations together and even shared holidays on occasion. Although the paint dealer has never been the cheapest in town Mr. Smith has always used the same vendor. Recently Mr. Smith's company has downsized 50% of the workforce due to cost cutting measures. The business is still operational but the market has certainly turned for both Mr Smith and the paint vendor. The paint vendor's business is also slow but has recently had another annual price increase. Mr Smith knows no one would question the purchase, so should he search to find a better price?

Professional distance makes decisions easier and eliminates the fog in the process. Although these are 2 short examples in the day an age of business ethics I think professional distance will become more a concern. If someone says I will not do business with you unless.....(gift), do you really want to do business with them? The same goes for employees and managers you have to have professional distance or you will find you do not make clear decisions that will not only effect others they will also impact you.

Key Points for Professional Distance

• Do not treat a business outing like a frat party
• Just because you have a corporate card does not mean you do not have a limit
• Unless you are a family business employees are not family, be fair and consistent
• Do not put your manager, employee or customer in an awkward position
• Control the situation and remove yourself if it goes south
• Know when to call a spade a spade
• Provide inspirational leadership at all times everyone could use the help