Bangalore: The company you keep often tells what you are. Likeminded people usually go together; whether they are successful or mediocre.

"In the corporate world you usually associate with people for a purpose because they are your superiors, colleagues or business associates.

Sometimes this develops into genuine friendship, because you have common points of interest,'' says consultant and corporate trainer K. Panduranga.

Ulterior motives

While career and business needs may come first, ulterior motives should not become too obvious. When forming a friendship with a senior in your firm, for instance, it should not be only with an eye on a promotion but with a genuine eagerness to learn more about the business.

This can even be made clear in case the senior manager wonders what you are up to.

Say no to gossip

Friendships are often destroyed by gossip. When you become a party to office gossip, always remember you may become the subject of gossip one day.

"If you have something good to say about someone, say so or keep quiet. Once it is known you don't like to be involved in gossiping, you will be left alone,'' he says.

Relationships

Work-related relationships have changed rapidly in the last five to 10 years and senior managers are no longer so inaccessible even to freshers.

Many organisations have mentoring programmes that bring seniors and juniors together. Making the best of such opportunities to learn more about the organisation, its values and its core competencies may become an invisible run on the ladder to career advancement. The top management always favours employees who are competent enough to know enough about the business the company is engaged in.

"There are people in every office you need not associate with or should at least keep a safe distance from... bullies, rude persons and those who try to shove their work load on to you.

Right company

The office gossip, the busybody and those who snipe behind your back, call them back stabbers if you like, are all to be avoided. Let your company be people just senior to you but are successful and thought highly of by the top management; and, also persons with innovative ideas, those who are naturally friendly and cheerful and ready to lend a helping hand when they find you coping with extra work,'' he advises.

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