I remember the first time, I heard the saying, “Don’t take it personal, it is only business!” Oh my, that just disappointed me on so many levels! To be clear, my initial thought was, ‘I thought this to be a friendship and not just some business partnership;’ especially when we were friends first. Outside of that, ministry is ministry, business is business and relationship is relationship; so I thought. Let’s take a moment together to further discuss, “Don’t Take it Personal.”
There seems to be this thought, that you cannot mix relationships and business. I know maybe, like me you think, yes you can but I have more often than not found this to be the opposite. As the business grows or changes; apparently so does the friendship/relationship. I do agree that we should be able to handle the two separately and maintain both but it seems less apparent to me.
For one, when you leave the business you feel you now have to also cut off the relationship because how can the two be the same any longer. It becomes apparent that was your main connection. But is that always right? When you leave, shouldn’t you try your best to leave something on good terms and not leave someone or something ‘out to dry’ so to speak? You can begin to question, what was the intention of the relationship all along?
How do you ‘NOT’ take it personal, when you had relationship with the person? How insensitive to ask that of someone. I know that this is something many have faced and perhaps for some they just accept it but I just wish more would be honest about how it made them feel. You see, it is when we are honest about these things; it helps us to protect our hearts from becoming hardened by it and from allowing ourselves to believe that somehow this is ok.
On the other hand, let’s admit it there are certain times that you need to step away and you do not want to have a disagreement about it but you must move on. I believe this is when once again; you need to be totally honest, perhaps confrontational in love (of course) and admit there is a breach in the relationship and there must be a separation before further damage may be done. Perhaps, you need to admit where you both were wrong, make it right and still go on in separate ways. I believe the most important thing is to do so correctly in order that there is no misinterpretation. It is also vital to try your best not to bring an offense.
In reality, there are times that not taking it personal is very difficult. Perhaps it may be almost impossible to do at certain times without being offended. The best thing regarding all of this is to be upfront with one another, do your best to talk openly and honestly and of course be sincere. After all, if you do not want something to be taken personal, wouldn’t it only be right to know how to separate business and relationship that may be connected. The best thing is to admit when there was a noticeable problem in working together and trying to come up with a solution to make it work and to not allow it to turn into something else.
I encourage you to consider the relationships you are currently in or perhaps considering where business and personal are intertwined. Determine to purposely pray and take a real good look at what you are stepping into. Although, you may be good friends or have known each other outside of the business; things will be different when you are working together in this setting. Do not allow yourself to make an excuse for something you may not like to just ‘keep things good.’ Be open and honest with one another from the beginning and agree how you can maintain a good relationship with one another in the business and outside on a personal level.
If you have any thoughts, comments, I would love to hear from you. You are also welcome to share your experience about this topic. Let’s ‘examine this moment’ together.
Read more blogs: “Moments on the Edge” “Give and Take”
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Thank you for excellent topic. May God bless you always.
I agree, great topic!
Great insight 👍
Awesome post!
This is so well said. Sometimes I do take things personally and I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks this. Thanks for sharing!
I heard this so many times and people said that me that as well. Well, let just say this is not good thing to say. I don’t like people saying it to me. Great post!
Thank you Frank for reading and sharing your thoughts. You are right it does not leave you feeling the best when it is said. How can someone expect you not to feel anything especially if you had relationship. You will take it personal. It is important that we do not stay hurt by it to keep ourselves in peace.
I will say… The month of May has been hard not to take some things super personally. Things that have happened have been brutal and hurt very deeply. Deep down I know that it isn’t about me but it can be hard to remember some days.
I am sorry you have been hurt deeply Samantha. It is hard when someone says, “Don’t take it personal.” I really hope you feel better. Thank you so much for taking moments with me.