Let’s talk about something we’ve all seen at least once in the workplace: romantic sparks. Maybe it’s two coworkers spending a little too much time in the breakroom. Maybe it’s flirtatious banter over a work order. Maybe it’s just one of those unmistakable glances across a dusty job site. Look we’re all human, and humans come with more than just a resume. We’ve got personalities, quirks, and yes attractions.
After 16 years of running All Nation Restoration, I’ve seen it all. The whispered office romances. The buddy-buddy lunch runs that mysteriously become daily. And the “We’re just friends!” duos that suddenly can’t stop giggling at each other’s jokes. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about human nature, and one thing stands out:
Boundaries. Matter.
And that brings me to the koi fish.
Here’s the metaphor I’ve used time and again, especially with managers and guys in leadership:
Imagine you’re a big, bad bear. You’re hungry. You like fish.
Now picture yourself wandering into a beautiful residential backyard. There’s a perfectly manicured koi pond. Bright orange fish swim lazily in circles, practically asking to be caught. Low-hanging fruit or in this case, low-swimming koi.
Sure, it’s easy. Sure, it’s tempting. But what does it look like?
It looks like a 700-pound grizzly bear standing in a cul-de-sac with a neon-orange fish flopping out of its mouth. Not exactly what we’d call sportsmanlike, is it?
And that’s how I view workplace romance. You may think you’ve pulled off something slick, but in reality, you look like a bear who raided a petting zoo. Not cool. Not impressive. And certainly not what we’re going for at a professional restoration company.
Work Is for Work
Here’s the truth: when you’re running a company especially one built on teamwork, accountability, and leadership you’ve got to draw a hard line. Over the years, I’ve made a personal commitment:
Even in the privacy of my own office, with someone I was dating or even married to, I never crossed that professional boundary. No romantic behavior at the office. No after-hours cuddles in the conference room. No “just five minutes” smooching behind the filing cabinet.
Not because it would’ve been “wrong” on paper but because it sets a tone.
The second you start to blur the lines in your own mind, the easier it is for the whole team to feel like those lines don’t matter. And when the professional boundary dissolves, it’s not long before judgment, favoritism, drama, or worse creeps in.
Let’s keep it simple.
The workplace is not a dating app. It’s not a singles mixer. It’s not a zoo with an open fish buffet.
It’s a place to work, build, grow, and lead. There are much bigger ponds in the world to find meaningful relationships places where the catch will be hard-earned and respected. You don’t want to be the bear known for swiping the easy fish from the backyard koi pond.
Trust me: nobody is looking at that bear thinking, “Wow, what a majestic beast.” They’re thinking, “Damn, did that bear really just eat Mrs. Jenkins’ decorative koi named Bubbles?”
So, For God’s Sake…
Not the koi fish.
Not the bright, easy, shiny temptation that’s circling in a confined little pool. Be the bear who hikes into the mountains. Who braves the wild rivers. Who earns the catch worth telling stories about.
Because in the end, respect at work isn’t just about what you do it’s about what you don’t do.
Stay strong. Stay focused. And stay in business.
