Mis-steps at a company gathering can cost you major embarrassment

Companies often host outings for a little fun and relaxation and to show appreciation to their employees. Even though these are informal settings, proper business behaviour is still expected because people are technically still on the job at the event. A few missteps at a company gathering can cost you much more than a little embarrassment; your reputation and promotion can be at stake. Here are some guidelines to prevent any major errors.{{more}}

1. Volunteer. If you arrive early or stay late and coworkers are busy assembling or dismantling pieces for the event, offer to help. Don’t be a wallflower and wait for everything to be perfect.

2. Dress to impress. The rule of dressing conservatively still applies. Avoid short shorts, clothing with inappropriate or tasteless slogans, or revealing tops for women. Swimwear should be conservative; you want co-workers to remember your professional character after the outing, not an unforgettable image of you in revealing swimwear or picnic attire.

3. If alcohol is served, stop after one or two drinks. Choose beer or wine and pass on the hard liquor.

4. Think about your conversation topics and stay clear of the temptation to gossip. There’s a tendency to be a bit loose with the tongue in informal settings. Keep in mind that you are still being observed and evaluated unofficially.

5. If you work for a large company, take the opportunity to meet new people and strengthen old connections; avoid staying with familiar groups or social cliques all day. The wider your network the better your chances are for advancement and recognition within the organization.

6. If the outing is at a golf course and you are not a golfer, be adventurous and take a few lessons before the event or consider taking a lesson that day. If these options are not feasible, use the time to network with other non-golfers in the clubhouse. Do not take a book and read all day or isolate yourself in some other way.

7. If games are being played and you are physically able try to participate as much as you can.

8. Be gracious at the buffet line. Take moderate portions, don’t cut the line, and go back for seconds only after everyone has had the opportunity to go through the line.

9. Do not ask the boss’ wife or anybody else’s spouse for a dance and if you do decide to dance keep it clean. Leave the provocative dancing for your weekend escapades.

10. This is the time to meet some of the executives in the company. They are more apt to listen and talk with you but please do not bore them with too much office talk, keep it light but gently toot your own horn.

Karen Hinds President/CEO – Workplace Success Group,
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775; Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)