How we interact with each other can be heavily influenced by the context of our relationship. Two obvious examples of this would be relationships defined either as a colleague or as a client/customer.
Where both parties view the other as a colleague the relationship is usually not-adversarial largely defined by polite behavior. If both view it as a client/customer relationship it evolves more as demand/subservient behavior depending on which role you are in.
Mis-aligned Context
The really interesting stuff can arise when each party views the context differently. This can lead to anxiety, frustration, disagreement, and dissatisfaction.
Consider the case where one “colleague” considers themselves the boss (not a colleague). Interactions have a disconnect from the beginning as one colleague believes they have granted power over the actions of the other (unfortunately this is only one way).
The perceived context of each participant leads to different behavioral expectations. Interactions could very quickly become adversarial as each party’s expectations don’t match.
Service Expectations
In many many societal groups, organizations one internal unit provides service to another. Everyone is part of the organization and in these cases do not have direct reporting alignment.
Are the receiving unit members clients or customers of the servicing unit or is everyone a colleague? Or is this even defined but rather just shakes out organically?
Where one person views another as a colleague rather than a customer or client the interactions can quickly fall apart due to widely differing expectations.
The appropriate behaviors for provider/client interactions are quite different from colleague to colleague. Without being clear upfront as the context of the relationship you can get into hot water very quickly.
The Simple Solution
Before interacting with others, share your relationship perspective and ask for theirs. Even if there is not agreement at least you will know that and can adjust behaviours accordingly.
