UNWRITTEN RULES

As much as you are taught in school, at home, the hundreds of lectures endured; you would think that you know all there is to know in terms of behavior for all situations.  That is not true.  Merging of cultures, ideas, concepts, practices and behaviors are seen in both schools (hopefully) and jobs primarily.  Other places that one frequents, he or she can do so and still remain in his or her comfort zones.  However, in the work environment, there is a merging of cultures, which means that behavior has to be professional for everyone to be comfortable and to perform his or her jobs accordingly.

Unwritten rules are not new! They have been around since the beginning of time.  The thing is now we find more and more people in the workforce that seem to have miss the lessons concerning these rules.  I’m not sure of the breakdown either, like when it happened or why.  I could blame it on a lot of things but without merit, I will not do so.  I do know that conducting yourself professionally in the workplace and at workplace functions are key for retaining the job you worked diligently to secure.

Tis the season to be jolly but not jobless!

• Drinking of alcoholic beverages should be zero in the office and kept to a minimum at extended events. Even when no one says it, you are being watched, judged, measured
• Your language. Extended events, the Christmas Party, Corporate Picnic, etc.… isn’t the time to use your colorful language, even if you speak other languages, leave all that at home. Speak the fluent language of the office. Refrain from curse words.  This is a social event for the company and anything you say or do reflect that company!  Laugh more, more small talk but be mindful at the same time.  All of this is still work!
• Rules of etiquette do apply! Review them! USE THEM!
• Watch body language, it will tell you things that a person’s mouth will not. Want to know if you have made someone uncomfortable. The chilly silence is the first clue, but watch their body movement as well, the shifting in their stance, how frequently they drink or look around the room waiting for an excuse to move away from you and your conversation.  Look for it! Know the signs and then move, change topic or free people accordingly.
• LESS IS MORE except when it comes to your clothing! MORE IS GREAT, APPRECIATED, SAFE AND WILL KEEP YOU EMPLOYED!
• Dress conservative. Always inquire about the entire even if the invite doesn’t provide the detail.  Ask about the event plans so you’ll know what to wear. This isn’t the time to squeeze into that outfit in the back closet. You want to be cute or handsome and not worried if you will have a wardrobe malfunction.  Remember, these people work with you. You’ll see them again every day for the next 365 days.  Whatever happens, will not stay at the event. GUARANTEED
• OH, BE CAREFUL LITTLE MOUTH WHAT YOU SAY – Keep conversation general, steering away from politics and religion. Keep it light, humorous, charming and small talk.  This isn’t an opportunity to dig deep or influence the values of another.
• OH BE CAREFUL BODY WHAT YOU DO! – Do nothing after a work event but go home, ALONE! It doesn’t matter what it feels like, what you thought or how you may try to hide it or disguise. Doing anything more will result in regret!  If it is real, if it is worth pursuing, then do it the right way, sober-minded and off company time!
• WHEN IN ROME (do as the romans) – watch your surroundings, the sound, the quiet or loud, the conversation and then follow what has been set! Social settings are designed to weed out and determine how well one integrates with people on different levels, pass this test!

There are a number of unwritten rules, rule of etiquette to be followed and while all of them are not covered.  Generally apply your senses and allow them to guide you.  These events are just one of the few times you shouldn’t seek to stand out.  Often your race will do that for you.  Be you, but a tone down version.  Social settings with companies are times of education and it’s more important to soak in knowledge, atmosphere, and reap from the exposure to “more” or “excess” than to be seen or remembered.

 

Remember Tis the season to be jolly and an unemployed person is full of folly not jolly!