Meaningful Saturday Insight: Stevie does not do it for nothing.

A weekly thought for leaders with the courage to introspect.

As he sets the cup down, he peeks over your shoulder at your project budget.
“Thirty thousand euros? That's a lot, isn't it? I know a party that will do it for less.”

A moment later he presses a printout into your hand.
“This club is great. If you say you know me, you get a discount.”

And before you know it, you're part of a favoritism that turns into favoritism. Maybe even a bribe. And Stevie? He's going to run off with your project.

That latte? Not pure coffee.

You should have known.
Because you're at work. Not in a schoolyard. Not at a festival. Not in a group of friends.

And so I say this again:
Workplace interactions are not friendships.

That sounds harsh. But it is not cynical, it is clear.
Of course there are friendly colleagues. Nice people. Really.
But in the context of work, people tend to be functionally friendly.

You notice this as soon as your function changes.
You remain yourself, but the reaction to you changes. Because you have started to play a different role in the game.

People don't love you. They love what you can do.
For them. For the team. For the company.

And when that changes, the dynamics change.

Stevie's kind gesture is not genuine friendship. It's a gambit.
A move you have to recognize. And respond professionally.

So if he leans over your shoulder and says he knows a club that will do it cheaper, you say politely:
“Thanks Stevie, thanks for your input. We are still in the orientation phase.”
And you continue with your work.

Save your friendship for your friends.
Your integrity for yourself.

And that latte? You'll get it yourself from now on.

Cause as Stevie sang and she was right:
Players only love you when they're playing.

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The space between the words is where insight arises.
Until next week when our thoughts touch again.

Hans Ruinemans,

The Boardroom Monk ☯️