How To Behave At Work Drinks

It was Wednesday and was supposed to be just a few drinks at the local for a team gathering. We’ve all done it and it will happen again tonight for so many. Close your eyes and think of the morning you woke up and were simply filled with dread. Oh no! What happened? That fear of turning on your phone, of walking into the office. Are you already late?

Some Positives

Let’s get this out of the way shall we?  There are some positives to work drinks! You’ll likely meet someone and talk about something very positive.

Or you may meet someone you really like?

You may discover your boss has a crush on you (awks) or he appreciates your work more than you think (excellent!).

You may discover your colleague has more to offer than you think, however…

Some Realities

A few too many, do you slur?

With good intentions, the evening starts with the promise of only a couple of drinks and a bite. But two drinks can turn to four or more.

Avoid getting stuck with the really drunk for a start. You don’t want to be branded by association.

The Big Man

As the drinks flow, it’s likely the “big man” will emerge. He has anger issues and gets tweaked easily. All that built up anger and frustration releases with the flow of booze. When it starts to kick off, change locations.

All Work and No Play

Then there’ll be those who can never let go of work. They’ll talk shop till they drop dead and of course will solve every problem! Learn to avoid!

Up for a Dance

Most places have dancing thrown in, and why not? With your colleagues and associates, everything is fair game! If you’re a bad dancer, don’t dance. If you are awesome, dance away!

Chucking

Too late! Stuck with someone who cannot hold their drink? Unless it’s a tactical vom, chucking up is an epic fail with anything to do with work. Worse is being seen. If you feel it, leave. Don’t say goodbye, just order a taxi and go. It’s worth the investment.

 

 

Mobile Phones have Cameras!

No matter how hard you try, the camera will get you at some stage of the night. Office email, Instagram and Facebook, here you come.

Give me that Promotion!

You had this serious talk with your boss and you explained why you should be be stepping up. Do remember what you said, because your boss will remember everything!

Partner in Crime

Your BFF for the night is your partner in crime. They will be the source of the worst rumours and most of the photos.

Karoake

Once it’s over, you will be out on the streets finding your way home. If you’re leaving a karoake den at some ungodly hour, then you really blew itl.

Wise Rules

Limit yourself to one or two drinks no more.

Book in advance – that way you get a decent place (most likely at a decent price).

Call it a meeting or a working dinner rather than a night out.

Take charge: get hold of the group and make sure everyone knows who is calling the shots.

With clients, it’s better to pay in advance. If that is not possible, make sure the bill is not brought to the dinner table. That way you will stay in control.

If you are out with the boss, still keep it to two drinks and make sure you show up bright and early (with a clear head) the next day.

If you are out with the boss, let them lead the conversation while you steer the boat. They can broach the topic, but you’ll decide what’s said and what’s not.

Plan in advance who you want to woo. A working night out is the way business is done these days. With a few tweaks, you can have a great time while still staying on top of things. So go for it!

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