A reader writes:
What are your ideas and the etiquette round getting drinks with coworkers whenever you’re in management place?
I’m a feminine, on a youthful aspect, in a management function at a small-to-medium measurement group. We just lately had an organization occasion, after which 5–10 folks went out for drinks and stayed for a few hours. It was simply nice to see some colleagues which might be typically in several places, and most of them don’t report back to me.
Some time later, an exec talked about that he thought it was inappropriate to exit consuming with subordinates. I perceive that colleagues might not at all times really feel comfy with their bosses being current at pleased hours, however this was not the case right here. I wish to be certain I don’t undermine my status as knowledgeable.
There are methods to do it that might be unprofessional, however the mere act of getting drinks with folks decrease within the hierarchy than you isn’t unprofessional. In truth, generally it’s a part of the job for managers to place in an look at work social capabilities, even casual ones, to get to know folks in a extra relaxed setting (and allow them to get to know you) in addition to to look like a fairly heat, approachable human who enjoys their colleagues’ firm.
To a degree, in fact. Will probably be much less skilled in the event you’re at all times the one organizing it (which, given the facility dynamics, doesn’t depart plenty of room to be taught folks aren’t that keen about going, or doing it so typically), or in the event you’re at all times the final to depart, or in the event you drink to the purpose of drunkenness (and even to the purpose of letting down your inhibitions, past maybe a spherical of karaoke that you just wouldn’t have finished with out a glass of wine in you).
Typically, if individuals who report back to you may be there, I’m a fan of going for an hour after which excusing your self. You make an look, however then you definitely depart folks to speak with out the boss round.
That stated, I’d wish to know extra concerning the govt who made the remark. Is he somebody with plenty of affect over your profession? If that’s the case, it’s helpful to pay attention to his considering. Is he somebody identified to be stand-offish himself, in a approach that has negatively affected how he’s perceived? If that’s the case, view his remark by way of that lens. Was there one thing about this specific occasion that may have triggered the comment, like that it received notably rowdy and Bob from Accounting was handed out by the copier the following morning? That might give the remark extra nuance than simply “by no means have a drink with subordinates.”
However in any other case, it’s an awfully inflexible rule that doesn’t align with what number of good managers function.
