Office Politics 101

[Sijray21]

i agree with both of you. I'm already seeing how outside interaction helps with the relationship between workers/bosses and colleagues. I usually come out to as many social events as i can get to, but most of my exposure has to do with how i act around them during office hours (most business, some casual talk) and i enjoy that more than just going out to social events. Doing your work does help, but i do see how not coming out to events hinders you a little.

(Example: We have a team of 5 people - 2 Northrup / 3 CSC. One guy always brings his lunch and never really comes out socially with the rest of us. We usually go out to lunch together if we're in the same location. Just something small, but the 4 of us are becoming closer and we all feel more comfortable. The other guy isn't doing anything bad and we know that. He contributes a lot to our team. Everyone knows that and that never really becomes an issue.)

If promotion and success in the company is based on professionalism then the need for social networking and build isn't necessary. Sometimes it is and sometimes it's not. Going to social events certainly shouldn't hinder your professional development, but it doesn't hurt. We use social events for an excuse to bill the company for "Team-Building Events". Which it does do, but they shouldn't be factored in reviews for an individual. Saying the person has poor interpersonal skills is a strong statement and he/she better have some office examples to back up that claim.

Cliff Notes: Being involved in business social events helps to smooth the situation (usually). Should not be neccessary, but helpful. It all depends on the company.