Publication 14, Issue 7
When was the last time you blew off a company social event because you had to catch up on emails, finish up a paper, or plan a meeting? We all do it! Managers have to make time during their workday to be social. Don’t forget that staff watches our every move. What does it say about us as managers if we don’t show up for a company event?
Here’s what the Playground Personalities perceive when managers don’t attend company socials:
The Peacemaker – “My manager doesn’t care about me.”
The Organizer – “My manager is too worried about checking the boxes.”
The Revolutionary – “My manager usually pops in to an event and then leaves early.”
The Steamroller – “My manager is too good to mingle with the common folk.”
Yikes! That’s motivation for me to show up at the next company event! The higher up you go in an organization, the more important it is to build your social skills at work. People need to see us for who we are and what we are as workplace professionals and colleagues. That’s what makes us real! Some of us do it naturally (The Peacemaker); the rest of us have to work at it. We all can get better at being social at work. The next time – and there will be a next time soon, I’m sure – think twice before you are a “no show” at a company event. Make the time to go and enjoy the event. Mingle with folks and don’t worry about what’s not getting done. Somehow, it will get done. It always does!
Summertime is a great time to reflect on a management competency you would like to refresh. Here’s one for ya! Take the time to consider stepping up your game and becoming more social at work. You may be surprised at the relationship doors that will open for you as you make yourself more available to those opportunities!
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
