In a predominantly masculine business world, Nicole Williams, founder and CEO of WORKS, offers woman-friendly advice for corporate survival and success. Nicole wants women to feel empowered, not drained, at the end of a long work day ... and I couldn't agree more!
Nicole offers practical and personal corporate advice. She also cuts to the heart of the matter, focussing even on interoffice dating. Since we spend so much time at work, it's no wonder we develop office crushes. Who among us can't relate to the lure of dating within the office? Even if the thought never comes to fruition, some of us have certainly imagined it! We spend countless hours alongside the same people, inevitably getting to know them and measuring our levels of attraction. Here are some of Nicole's helpful hints on managing an office romance.
What's Your Intention?
Know your purpose and realize boundaries in order to understand how much risk is involved. A one-night fling with your boss to boost a promotion differs greatly from a close kinship of trust and respect with a cubicle neighbor. Nicole differentiates between high risk and low risk romances, and suggests you do the same.
'Fess Up
People are smarter than you think, so attempting to hide your "couple status" may actually draw unwanted attention (i.e. scandal and gossip) rather than gain you privacy.
Nix the Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Enough said.
Use Discretion
Tongues can be slippery, and not always in a good way. Be careful when choosing what to share with co-workers about your office lover, so as not to jeopardize his career -- or your own.
Lastly, remember that no matter how tactful you are, you cannot control other peoples' perceptions. Engaging in an office romance may mean sacrificing a certain rapport with co-workers. Nicole advises us that less change will occur when we clearly divide professionalism from our personal lives, retain work integrity, and continue to reach out to our co-workers.
More savvy, humorous, and contemporary career advice can be found on her website, at www.worksnw.com.
I encourage exploration into the wellspring of information Nicole Williams has provided for your benefit as a working woman. And when you're done, go flirt with that cute accountant at the water cooler.
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