Today allow me to speak about friendship. In politics the phrase is, “There are no permanent friends or enemies.”

Well put. But why? Let’s look at the term friendship in a brought sense before dealing with the political perspective.

Academically, Fehr (2000) and Rawlins (1992), defines friendship as a voluntary, interpersonal relationship. It is characterized by mutual affection, trust, support, and emotional closeness. The relationship is typically sustained over time through regular interaction and shared experiences.

Friendship is different from kinship and professional relationships. Friendship is not bound by formal obligations. It is maintained through reciprocity, empathy, and mutual respect .

In psychological and sociological literature, Baumeister and Leary (1995) sees friendship as a fundamental human need. It significantly contributes to emotional well-being. It aids identity formation, social integration, and personal development. It serves both instrumental and expressive functions, offering practical help and emotional comfort, respectively.

In contextual terms friendship is shaped by cultural norms, life stages, and social environments.

Friendship exist across various forms. The forms include childhood friendships, cross-gender friendships, and workplace friendships.

Let’s look at features of a good friend.
A good friend is often described by a combination of positive traits that build trust, support, and genuine connection.

• They should be trustworthy. Are ones who keep secrets, follows through on promises, and can be relied upon.

• Are loyal. They stands by you in good and bad times. They don’t abandon you when things get tough.

• Are honest. They tell you the truth with kindness even when it’s hard to hear.

• They are supportive. They encourages your goals and dreams and offers emotional and practical help when needed.

• Are good listeners. They pays attention,  don’t interrupt, and show genuine interest in your thoughts and feelings.

• Are respectful. They value your opinions, boundaries, and differences without judgment.

• They are caring. They show concern for your well-being and celebrates your successes.

• Are nonjudgmental. They accept you as you are, without trying to change or criticize you unfairly.

• Should be forgiving. They understands that everyone makes mistakes and is willing to work through conflicts.

• They are fun to be around. They share in  laughter, positive energy, and enjoyable experiences.

How Different is Workplace Friendship from General Friendship

Workplace friendship is described by these features:
1. It is a trust-based relationship. Colleagues who are friends trust each other with sensitive information, feedback, or support, knowing it won’t be used against them.

2. It is built around mutual respect and support. Colleagues respect each other’s roles and boundaries while providing emotional and practical support during work challenges or personal issues.

3. It is based on informal and genuine connection. Workplace friends often share interests, laugh together, and enjoy each other’s company, creating a positive work atmosphere.

4. It relies on collaboration and teamwork. Workmates work well together, openly exchange ideas, and are more likely to cooperate and help each other succeed.

5. It is a stress buffer. Friend at work can reduce stress, increase job satisfaction, and improve morale. They make the work environment more enjoyable and productive.

6. It balances professionalism. True workplace friendships maintain professionalism. They avoid favoritism, gossip, or unethical behavior while still fostering closeness.

What about Politics?
In politics it is argued that there are no permanent friends or enemies. Here, alliances and rivalries often shift based on interests, power dynamics, and changing circumstances. They change rather than on personal loyalty or emotional ties. Reasons are:

1. Interests over emotions. Political actors are guided more by shared goals and strategic interests than personal feelings. If interests align today, two rivals might become allies. If interests diverge tomorrow, allies might become opponents.
2. Changing contexts and power structures

Politics is dynamic. New leadership, shifting public opinion, crises, or emerging opportunities can redefine relationships. Adaptability often takes precedence over loyalty.

3. Strategic alliances. Relationships in politics are often transactional. Temporary partnerships are formed to achieve certain objectives like passing legislation or winning elections.  Once the goal is met or lost, the relationship can be  dissolved.

4. Survival and influence. Political survival and relevance sometimes require compromising or realigning, even with former adversaries. Pragmatism often trumps over ideology.

5. Public image and negotiation. Sometimes, political leaders need to appear cooperative or combative for public appeal, even if they maintain back-channel communication. Appearances may shift based on negotiation outcomes.

What’s the take Home for HR and Organizational Leadership?
This concept is useful in HR for:
• Conflict management.Colleagues can have disputes today but can collaborate tomorrow if goals align.

• Change leadership. Relationships shift during mergers, restructuring, or leadership transitions.

• Negotiation and diplomacy. Building bridges, even with critics, can be essential for progress.

• Team dynamics. Flexibility and strategic collaboration can lead to better organizational outcomes.

What’s your take on the perspectives of friendship? Let’s engage.
#politics
#Leadership
#HRmanagement
#friendship