The Social
Savvy of Business
Many times the art of business is not about business at all. But rather, it's about the social aspect of business. The social performances in the business world include office parties, client functions, company picnics, social invitations from your boss, company holiday parties, and any organized cultural, networking or other kind of professional event. Corporate events are planned to create better relationships by breaking down barriers and loosening up behavior. Learning to balance the level of "looseness" is what's key. Take a look at the top 10 mistakes unsuspecting people make:
10~ Being a no-show
Ignoring multiple invitations to business or professional social functions is taboo in the workplace. This is your opportunity to get to know clients, colleagues and executives on a more personal level.
9~ Ignoring key players for fear of making a faux pas
Those who ignore their bosses at a corporate function are rarely promoted, rewarded or otherwise recognized. Even those at the most senior levels, sometimes fear making social blunders. You can take this opportunity to put them at ease by making small talk. Remember small talk gets easier the more you do it. Appropriate topics include the generosity of the company for hosting the event, the festive food and ambience, light topics of business and any known hobbies of the host or hostess.
8~Believing that "business casual" means jeans and a t-shirt
Your visual image is never "off." As such, dressing for the occasion is important to your sense of power and self-confidence. If the affair is formal, men should be sure to wear a tuxedo and women must find out whether the skirt length should be long or short.
7~ Gossiping about your boss or colleague
When you are away from home or at a bar, it seems like the perfect time to totally let your guard down and express how you really feel. This is a big mistake. No one has a perfect boss or works with the perfect colleague. There is never any good to come of those who want to mar the reputation of others.
6~ Over-indulging
When you significantly overeat or overdrink at a business function, it appears that you don't get out often. Make it your personal rule to keep the drink limit to two and snack a bit prior to the event.
5~ Cheating in sporting events
Cheating in sports gives the message that you may cheat in your business affairs. Good sportsmanship is allegorical to business. The same qualities that are admired in sports are equally admired in business: strategy, persistence, strength, a desire to win and a sense of fair play.
4~ Making a pass at another company employee or client
Office celebrations give us the opportunity to see our colleagues in another light. Away from the formal, stuffy cubicle environment, we can get an entirely different perspective of our co-worker. Don't take it too far. A public or private pass can border on sexual harassment. You will lose power, respect, credibility, and possibly set yourself up for a lawsuit.
3~ Losing your composure with a celebrity
Often time companies sponsor major events that may include well-known stars. Keep in mind that they are people too. Don't lose your cool around celebrities. Walk up, shake hands, comment on their performance and then make way for someone else.
2~ Missing your manager's big moment
Managers are human too and when they have big moments in business, it helps to know they have a supportive team to fall back on. Some are adept at public speaking and others turn green at the mere thought. To show great support, stay close and loyal to your boss before, during and after the big moment.
1~ Believing that you can make a fool of yourself and everyone will forgive and forget
It's foolish to think what you do at an off-site meeting will not make its way back home. Creating a ruckus when you are representing your company not only jeopardizes your reputation, but it can tarnish your company's image as well.
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Remembering that you are always "on" at business functions is the best way to maintaining strong professional relationships.
