Interaction with Colleagues

Recently, I took the Organizational Behavior class as part the MPA curriculum. Among other things we discussed about the level of friendliness with colleagues that would be appropriate. As expected there is no right answer. This made me think about my interactions with colleagues at work. What is the most appropriate conduct in a public organization? In my opinion it is hard to strike such balance because one wants to come across as friendly yet professional.    

I thought that I could be my casual self with the other intern while conducting myself professionally in front of my team. Big mistake! I did not realize how the other intern’s opinion of me influenced my image in front of his team. I think that one’s image is particularly very important in a public organization. You should be friendly but always conduct yourself professionally regardless of the title of the people you are interacting with.