It's not personal, it's business

Business is personal.

For some reason, we’re taught that when you go to work, you’re supposed to check your personal self at the door.

As if we are two different people.

*work robot engage*

Fortunately or unfortunately—we’re not. Sure, some are better at compartmentalizing than others. But being a completely different person at work is impossible (and perhaps even more so now that work is IN our homes).

For this reason and many more, I bet you: please stop saying “it’s not personal, it’s just business.” And let’s cut the behavior that goes along with it while we’re at it.

This phrase is an attempt to dictate how someone should feel in the situation.

It invalidates the emotions of the receiver.

It’s used as a veil for bad behavior.

And it has to stop.

Now, I haven’t always had this perspective. Heck, I’ve used the phrase myself a time or two.

But if this pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that we are all human.

We are humans at work and we are humans at home.

And it’s okay to bring your whole self to work.

Business is personal. It always has been, and it always will be.