My Michael Moment took place outside of the training and after I joined MBB. We were discussing my career path and I mentioned I was a workaholic with no friends and could therefore eat, sleep and drink management consulting. You pointed out an interesting phenomenon which I am now experiencing in the Boston office. You said that people who have no friends outside of the office, will seek friends inside the office and that creates dysfunctional relationships.

I did not understand what you meant at the time but can now see it playing out.

I became very close to a business analyst at the office and we ended up socializing when we could. It became very difficult to manage the relationship when I needed to manage her weaker behaviour. I think she felt I would be lenient with her due to the nature of our relationship. That experience, which was hard to manage, made me think about your advice and the need to not confuse work relationships. As you said, I should be friendly in the office and seek friends, but understand that professional values must come before friendship.

That is good advice but very hard to implement Michael! I will see how I manage and keep you posted.

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