Office water cooler chat: what would happen if…

You and your workmate have a great time at work. You opt to be part of the same project as often as possible. You spend time together after work at dinner or just having drinks, and of course have a cheeky gossip at the office water cooler whenever you get the chance. You are too peas in a pod. But, as Erin Conroy of the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce recently asked, what if your friend becomes your boss? The opportunity for water cooler chat disappears as your old buddy spends more and more time in their office, and when you do talk, conversation is more professional and much less social then ever before. There seems to be less time for socialising as working hours are increased, and the two of you almost begin to forget what it was like when you were so close. Then of course there is the issue of office romance– whilst previously your pal was ever-encouraging of blossoming love, they may now be more concerned about how this might affect dynamics in your workplace.
So how do you overcome this newly developed formality between the two of you? How can you get the friend you know and love back? Does rivalry come between you indefinitely, and is there a way to get past it?
Does this experience ring a bell? Leave a comment and let us know, we’d love to hear your stories!