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.

Issues around Confidentiality of Your Salary: Don’t Communicate!

It’s one of the unwritten protocols in business: Never, ever discuss your salary with anyone besides your manager! (Or immediate family.)

I have seen so much damage done by people comparing notes on pay levels. You gain nothing by knowing this information, and even less by discussing it freely.

You might think that knowledge of what others are paid will help you in your salary aspirations. It won’t. Rest assured, most organizations try to pay (and treat) staff fairly.

Recognize two additional unwritten rules about compensation.

1. Every position has a certain value to an organization. This value is based in part on what it would cost to replace you.

2. No mileage exists for anyone in underpaying you. The longer you stay with a company, the better you will end up being paid.

It’s not unreasonable to ask for more money. Just discuss it with your manager ALONE.

Otherwise, be discreet about your compensation and do not discuss with anyone other than your manager.

Focus more on increasing your value to your company. This usually translates into better pay!

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?

Self Promotion

Use Technology Wisely to Enhance Your Job Opportunities/Promotions

Technology can both help you and harm you.

For example, most boomers have figured out how to access Facebook. A picture of your throwing up in a toilet is probably not the best PR to those who employ you.

Be aware of the obvious – such information may be available to anyone. Or a prospective employee may simply ask to see it.

Consider designing your Facebook portfolio so that if an employer does see it, you will look good.

It’s a sales opportunity. Make your portfolio professional. Show off your technical skills. Choose your photos – and friends – wisely.

Don’t shoot yourself in the foot! 

Were you right? Wrong? What Company Policies Really Communicate

Companies issue policy manuals to save everyone time.

They are critical communications.

They spell out the “nitty gritty” of the little questions (and some big questions) that come up. Read the policies carefully.

I’ve seen people ask questions when the answer was already in the company policy manual. Clearly they had not read the document.

Tip: Read up on your company’s policies once a year as a refresher. Policies tend to change to accommodate new issues. They are living communication tools critical to all organizations.

Avoid tying up your manager’s time with questions that will likely be answered in your company’s policy documents, and you will clear another obstacle to success.