Work forms a major part of adult life, at some estimates one-third of human waking life. That’s a lot of time to spend with people you don’t get on with.
As the London-based founder of three design-led ventures, I am proud to say that friendships have helped shape the success and sustainability of each one.
An example of this is the time I reconnected with long-term friend and collaborator Moneyhub Enterprise CEO Samantha Seaton at the Curtin University 50 Years of Innovation Alumni event in London.
Although we spent years studying different degrees, at different times, the moment we struck up a conversation, we instantly found out that we had a lot in common in our work in finance, and a passion for financial wellness.
After the event, in a series of rare and unlikely encounters, we ended up crossing paths multiple times and having conversations on the London Underground. Taking it as a sign, we hatched a plan that has seen us work together since.
I think the reason why friendship in business works for us, is because we found common ground early on. What stood out from the start was Samantha’s energising drive, clear heart-driven purpose, and her vision for scaling financial wellness innovation to improve lives for good, which I very much aligned with. For me, there was a natural connection.
The top five things I’ve learnt when it comes to friendship in business:
1. Find common ground and develop a friendship starting with that.
Everyone has something in common. Your job is to ask questions until you find it. Look for that moment in the conversation when their eyes light up and take it as a sign to go deeper. It seems obvious, but people prefer to work with people they like and who are easy to get on with.
2. Embrace your natural curiosity and empathy.
Feeling understood is a core quality of friendship. Be curious. Ask questions. Care about the answers. The better you understand someone, their hopes, dreams, and driving purpose, the easier the communication.
3. The deepest friendships are founded on a common vision.
Often, you’ll be naturally drawn to those you’ll work best with. Work feels like play when personal and professional curiosity and passions are aligned.
4. A friend helps you become who you could be.
Think first about how you can help others. Is there a way you can help align them on their path? Be generous with your time. They could change the trajectory of your life.
5. The best way to have a friend is to be one.
Trust is built over time – in both friendship and business.
Friendship strengthens with shared experience. Working together to achieve shared goals gives you the opportunity to prove yourself as a trusted ally and advisor. Say what you’ll do and do what you say, consistency builds trust. Be professional and service-minded in business but remember well-timed humour and a hint of playfulness helps smooth the road of cooperation.
If there’s anything you should take away from this article, it’s that when done right, mixing friendship and business can often lead to more fulfilling relationships. My success has only been a result of making others successful.
Written by
Guy Buchan, Innovator, Product & Service Designer, Founder & Mentor
Graduating from Curtin with a Bachelor of Arts (Design) in 1996, Guy has since become a renowned product and service design professional with 20 years of experience. A seasoned creative entrepreneur, Guy has founded and evolved multiple design-led businesses, including luxury handmade eyewear brand, Bold London and product and service design consultancy, Integrate London.
