Career EQ

Written by Jane Lowder, Max Coaching

Recently I was asked to offer comment on the pros and cons of Socialising at Work. Journalist Nikki Williamson offered some interesting thoughts on this topic in the SMH last weekend. It may seem trivial, but in fact the way we socialise at work can help or hinder our professional reputation and career prospects.

Experts agree that it is important to develop positive relationships with colleagues. Making friends with co-workers, from the front door security guard through to the CEO, can positively impact your productivity and the ease with which can fulfill your role. Knowing the right people who can deliver the right advice and services according to the demands of your role is key to being able to do your job well.For many people the social relationships they have at work can be as important a factor in their overall job satisfaction as the actual role itself. Social encounters throughout their day will energise them, thus boosting their morale and improving their productivity. However there are some important tips to remember…

How Far is Too Far?

Where should the fun stop and the professionalism start? The best answer is to always keep a healthy balance of both. Office outings or parties provide a relaxed arena in which to get to know people from within and outside of your team. They can also can demonstrate your commitment to team work and your solid interpersonal skills. A recent survey by Graduate Careers Australia showed that these ranked in the top 6 of the most important selection criteria amongst graduate employers.However, remember these important tips:

• Avoid doing or saying anything that you don’t want shared around the office the next day.
• If alcohol is involved be sure to say ‘no’ to that one extra drink that takes you from being the life of the party to the embarrassingly uninhibited.
• Maintain your professionalism and integrity in social situations; steer clear of office gossip and criticism of co-workers.

How Close is Too Close?

Be wary of anyone who tries to become your best friend on your first day in a new job. This is often a give away that there is a hidden agenda at hand. No sooner have you been lured into sharing your deepest secrets, or adverse opinions of your new boss, than you find this information has not been kept confidential, or worse still has been used against you. Be circumspect about how much of a personal nature you share, particularly during your early days in a new job.

We’re Trying to Work Over Here!

The workplace equivalent of ‘Clive the too loud Commuter’ is perhaps ‘Colin the too loud Co-worker’. We all know at least one! Unlike the volume-appropriate 5 minute catch up at the coffee area that most of us manage, Colin, somewhat oblivious to the fact that his voice carries 8 aisles in any direction of open plan work space, thinks nothing of delivering a prolonged daily diatribe of opinions, news and meaningless trivia.Socialising too long - or too loudly! - during the work day can give the wrong impression about your commitment to your role. This is noticed quickly by managers, not to mention co-workers in the neighbouring workstations who have to hear the intricacies of your life, whether they want to or not.