Although too much workplace socializing can reduce productivity, the right amount of socializing in your office can help you advance your career. Here are some tips on how to use workplace socializing for career advancement.
Plan Ahead
Planning is the best way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your socializing time. You can do this by putting together a list of things you want to accomplish and goals you want to achieve. You can also create a plan of action that specifies which events you will attend and what you will say to people when they ask why you decided to come. When someone asks why you’re at an event, it’ll be easy for them to understand. Taking these steps ahead of time will ensure that your socializing time is productive rather than wasted!
Be Sure To Listen
One of the biggest mistakes people make when networking is they forget that listening is half of the job. You want people to feel comfortable talking with you, so make sure you’re not dominating the conversation. When someone else is talking, pay attention and ask questions about what they’re saying. This will show them that you care about what they have to say and that you’re interested in who they are as a person. Also, try not to interrupt them when they’re speaking; wait until they’ve finished before jumping in with your own thoughts or opinions.
Avoid Unproductive Negativity
It can be tempting to let off steam with your coworkers about workplace problems, but it’s essential to have a good sense of what kind of negativity is productive and unhelpful. Remember that the goal of socializing at work should be to have fun and enjoy the time you spend with your colleagues, so you want to avoid the direct or indirect spreading of negativity.
For example, if you’re having fun and sharing an anecdote about something that happened in a meeting, but the story ends with making fun of a boss or coworker, that will not help relationships or build community. Instead, you want to focus on positive things and can help bring people together. If someone tells you something negative about another coworker, don’t pass it on—instead, ask how they’re going to handle it.
Set Boundaries Between Work and Socializing
When coworkers socialize outside of the workplace, it’s easy to let the lines between work and play begin to blur. After all, coworkers share a lot of common ground, and it’s often easier to relate to people you’ve worked with for years than to your friends who don’t know about your company’s latest major project.
When socializing with coworkers, try to keep in mind that the point is not necessarily to talk shop. Sure, you might want to know what’s going on at work. If your plans involve meeting up at an after-hours office party or bar, and if the conversation begins to turn into a gripe session or starts veering toward work topics altogether, try to steer it back toward the neutral ground.
Then again, if you’re looking for some insight on a work situation you’re having trouble navigating—or even a way out of your current position—you might consider seeking advice from someone you trust at work who can help you figure out how best to move forward.
Advancing Your Career With Workplace Socializing
Socializing at work can be an essential part of your career advancement. It can help you build a network, learn more about your company and coworkers, and generally stay on top of what is going on at work. At the same time, you mustn’t overdo socializing at work. Feeling the right balance between focusing on your job responsibilities and fostering workplace relationships will help you advance throughout your career. Plan out what you’re going to say ahead of time and practice if needed to avoid getting flustered in social situations at work. Click here
