I know this may sound like common sense, but even the best of us forget it. Or we forget to teach our mentees this lesson.

I was serving on a Board of Directors and was one of three Board members running for President, elected by fellow Board members, not the membership at large. In the 5 years I’d served, I became friends with many of the Board members. When we got together twice a year, the evening before our meeting began we went around the dinner table sharing something happening in our personal lives.

Most people shared some family news — generally about kids or grandkids. Since I have neither, I shared about something fun going on personally, often about my boyfriend-de-jour.

I was running for President for the second time. However, I lost again, to a very capable and deserving member. Although I highly respected the winner, I was taken aback, as I’d been on the Board longer, had served in more leadership positions, and had a much longer leadership resume.

When I asked my closest friends to ferret out why people didn’t vote for me, the reason quoted most was some felt my discussing my dating was unseemly, although I was careful to keep my comments G-rated. I was thinking I was among friends so could let my hair down. They, however, were observing me as someone who could be the president of the organization. They saw my playfulness and candor as un-presidential.

The lesson is when among those who can help determine your future, don’t let your guard down. Be friendly and helpful, but still professional. You never know who is watching — even if they are a peer or subordinate, they could report to and influence those who are making the decision to promote or groom you for bigger things.

Technorati Tags: management training, education and training, training program, training and development, training consultant