Common Managerial and Supervisory Discussions
25
adequately prepared and in the correct frame of mind because one careless comment or mistake could do some significant damage, both to themselves and to other family members. And how many times have our parents or have we, as parents, thought about a situation involving our kids and gasped, What were they thinking?! Of course, we’re not expected to play the literal role of parent in the workplace, but it’s not too far a stretch to intuit that, like it or not, we’re saddled with a similar sort of obligation in our roles as supervisors and leaders. Company holiday parties, picnics, and outside activities are meant to be fun and lively and a way for coworkers to get to know one another outside of the work setting. However, the damage that could be done by careless comments or inappropriate behavior can have exceptionally negative ramifications for participants who aren’t thinking straight or who otherwise let their guard down. After all, hearing about people who were fired after a holiday party because they got drunk and made inappropriate comments to the wrong people is not just folklore— it’s alive and well in the business world today.
The Solution Before embarking on a company-sponsored offsite event like a holiday party, meet with your staff to help them ‘‘get their heads on straight,’’ especially if alcohol will be served at the affair. Your opening salvo might sound something like this:
>> Hi, everyone. I wanted to call this short meeting in advance of tonight’s holiday party. ’Tis the season, as they say, but I want to spend a few minutes with all of you discussing how to best handle yourself and what to do if you’re placed in an uncomfortable or awkward situation for any reason. Also, note that alcohol will be served, and each of you will get two tickets, which will be good for a total of two drinks. That doesn’t mean that you have to use them, though, and soft drinks may be the alternative of choice after you think about what I’m about to say. Yes, holiday parties are meant to be fun and spontaneous. And yes, I don’t want to spend so much time warning you all about potential inappropriate conduct at tonight’s bash that I end up taking all the fun away before the party’s even begun. But there are limits around what the company considers acceptable behavior at holiday parties, and people have been known to jeopardize otherwise healthy careers with just one night of