Coaches Corner
Office Romance, Tread Lightly …
If you do decide to date someone you work with, keep it outside the workplace. It is a tricky situation, and can eventually lead to accusations of favoritism, sexism, discrimination, and harassment. If things do not work out, keep the breakup as discrete as you did the romance. A lot of loose talk can lead to problems.
Heads or Tails…
Office romances are a lot like gambling. Everyone loves to share stories about the couples who made it work—those who met on the job and built something great. But no one talks about all the ones that went up in flames.
Never What It Seems Like…
It’s just like gamblers bragging about their wins. Have you ever heard someone go on about how much they won, but never say a word about their losses? Office romance is the same way. You hear all about the love stories but never about the fallout, awkward run-ins, the office gossip, or even the lawsuits. It’s a touchy subject, pardon the pun.
The Days Of Their Lives…
I was programming within a radio cluster and had two air personalities openly dating. When they broke up, he was really down. Everyone around the office started picking sides on who was the bigger jerk—him or her. Staff meetings got awkward. Thank God, she found a job at another station in town.
He Screwed Up Again…
You’d think he would’ve learned his lesson, right? Nope. The guy started dating her replacement. I saw it coming, but what can you do? And she wasn’t exactly a wallflower. I was shocked but not surprised when he told her how much his ex-got paid. Not long after, I got pulled into a meeting with her and the CEO. She demanded to know why she wasn’t making the same amount of money. I sat there thinking, “This is going to be a mess,” and it was.
More Office Relationship Woes…
A client of mine once shared a story about a station where he worked morning drive. At this station, the male afternoon personality started dating a nurse he met at a remote. Apparently, they both loved talking about how they met with anyone who would listen.
Gossip About The Two…
Then one day, my client walked into the traffic department and overheard a conversation between a couple of the salesmen and the traffic manager. It turned out that the nurse had dumped the afternoon guy for the midday personality. The two had been buddies—until this happened. To make matters worse, the midday guy moved in with the nurse right after the afternoon guy had helped her move into a new apartment.
The Punch…
The afternoon guy was really upset, and the midday guy tried to explain how it all went down. One Saturday, my client was in production, finishing up some work, when he overheard the two yelling at each other. The afternoon talent was shouting, “We work together! How could you do this to someone you work with?” He got so mad that he punched a hole in the paper-thin prize closet door.
Lesson Learned…
My client said it was one of the best lessons he ever learned about handling workplace relationships. Never have one.
Worth It?…
It’s still about managing relationships at work and controlling your narrative to stay employed. Do what you want, but I’d suggest steering clear of office romances. I don’t have any research on the subject, but I’d bet most end badly, not happily ever after. Since the rise of HR, even harmless flirting can turn into misunderstandings, suspensions, or lead to a courtroom. Don’t be paranoid, just be smart. If you’re going to risk it, at least know what you’re getting into. Who knows, your office romance might turn into a real love story.
And if you need some friendly advice, drop me an email; samweaver@samweavermedia.com or text me, (972) 672-4812.