Communicating at Company Social Events

We’re all in a rush.

Not enough time, even for ourselves, much less for others.

Still, your chances to socialize with team members should be seen as an opportunity for face-to-face communication.

You may not want to attend the event. It may rest outside your comfort zone. Politically, however, it’s usually smart to go anyway.

 

Make the most of it. Project yourself!

Consider these dos and don’ts.

1. Don’t use the opportunity to hit up your boss for anything. This is not the time or the place.
2. Don’t get drunk. Don’t be rude to anyone.
3. Do have fun, yet be professional. Your bosses will judge you. A major faux pas is usually remembered to your detriment.
4. A request for an RSVP means “accept” or “decline”. If you accept, turn up. No-shows or last-minute cancellations look bad on you.
5. Don’t attend if you’re going to sit there with a long face that says you don’t want to be there. You will lose more points than by not attending.

Handling those “Personal” Appointments

Your company will likely have a policy on how to handle personal appointments (haircuts, dentist visits, etc.). Regardless of your company policy, it’s not a bad idea to try and handle those appointments on your own time, if you can.

Sometimes that is not possible with medical matters, and employers tend to be reasonable about it. Still, there’s a balance.

You don’t want to give the impression you’re entitled to “time off” for whatever reason. You’re not!

Communicate with your immediate boss. If you take time off, make up the time! And schedule “cosmetic” appointments outside business hours, please, always.

Do you believe employees are given enough time to handle personal appointments? 

Should some exceptions, other than medical or dental, be made?

The First Days at a New Job: Keep a Low Profile

In the first few days and weeks in a new role, keep your opinions to yourself! Focus on learning your job. Be the quiet observer. Avoid commenting on anything at this time, unless asked.

Remember: First impressions do count. I fired one person because he was disrespectful to his wife – on the phone in front of the whole office.

Reality check: It will probably take you one year to truly learn your job.

Once you know your job, you should receive ample chances to voice an opinion. Especially if you can streamline your processes.

Hopefully, you’re in a company where opinions are sought after!

Let us know: 

Why do first impressions count to you?

What is something you learned about someone based on your first impression of them? Were you right? Wrong?

Dress Code Communicates

How should you dress at work?

Look around your organization. What does everyone else do? Perhaps ask your manager for guidance. Check out the company policy on the matter. And respect it. Ignoring the policy will not help your cause.

In our case, 30 years ago, we tended to dress like our clients: fairly conservatively, leaning towards smart casual.

Over the years, we loosened our policy. Now we have a fairly flexible guideline: if clients are coming into our offices, we expect our team to “up the ante.” If no clients are expected and it’s snowy outside, we don’t mind your wearing jeans. Still, don’t turn up as if you’re coming to work in a car wash!!

Companies expect professional standards and evidence that staff care about their appearance.

You don’t have to spend oodles of money. You don’t have to represent the latest in fashion. You just need to look presentable.

If you care about your appearance, it communicates a powerful message: You care about your job.