Deb and I made our way off to work drinks this evening, both happy in the knowledge that the other would be there and that a good time was guaranteed. We sat in a corner looking at the view out the window from scarily high above the other buildings and it suddenly became apparent to both of us that we really weren't socialising with anyone else at all. In fact, we really didn't have much interest in doing so.
A conversation ensued and it became apparent that Deb's understanding of the aforementioned monthly drinks was vastly different to mine. As a marketer I looked at the room and saw many potential networking opportunities. The only problem on this occasion was that I already knew almost everyone on the room.
However Deb saw nothing like this. I will leave it for her to confirm her opinion of the gathering's purpose but I'm assuming she felt it was more a chance to drink and chat to your closer colleagues.
So whilst it had been enlightening for her and a reminder that I really shouldn't be sitting in a corner, neither of us thought about moving for one moment. Then something happened and we were on our feet...our champagne ran out! So off we went to the bar.
It does beg the the question though: Are work drinks a time to relax or are you still on the clock? And if you're still on the clock, how do you leave to return your personal life (of which you have just given precious time) without being frowned upon by your superior?
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2 comments:
You're on the clock and you should never relax at work drink do's as that is when things can get ugly.
IE Xmas parties and supply cupboards.
It's not that I believe that the function is soley for the purpose of free beverages, but, networking? C'mon, I spend more time with these people than I do with anyone else in my life! And if there is anyone I haven't yet met, then there must be a reason for it. Besides, how does one network with people you already work with? It's not as if you can say, "so, where do you work?" and if you even said "what do you do?" you could be in danger of digging yourself into a hole, because, perhaps you should already know the answer to this (aside: Al, I'm grateful I didn't say that to the CEO after he served me the 3rd glass).
My thoughts: the first 30 minutes can be "work" time, the rest is Deb time....
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