Communication Mistakes with Colleagues - as part of the expert series by GeoBeats. Everyday business has become so casual these days that we see colleagues interacting as though they are best friends. We must always remember that we are receiving a paycheck from the employer and respect their boundaries and their guidelines for good work ethic. Small talk, personal things, individual stories, and things that are happening at home should not be discussed in the business environment. It is disrespectful. And remember, they are your business colleagues. Yes, they may be a friend as well, but it is very important to keep your private life private, adding to the business realm that we all work in. So less personal talk and more focused on business. You want to establish yourself and not be sending out mixed messages of some of the personal traumas or challenges that you might be facing personally. They do not belong in the business world.