I realize that every office is different and some are more casual than others. However, every job that you ever have should be viewed, at the very least, as a networking opportunity, if not a rung in the ladder. Perhaps you have landed your dream job and have no intentions of ever advancing–but that doesn’t mean that a professional reputation isn’t something to strive for. With that said, here are a few things that are better left discussed after office hours.
Other People
Nothing speaks more poorly about you than when you dish the goods on someone else. Yet, almost everyone at some point talks about other people unfavorably or participates in office gossip. The more that you abstain from office gossip (or at the very least refrain from commenting) the more professional people will think of you. Not to mention the fact that creating alliances by gossiping about others can really back fire in the long run.
Religion
You will speak volumes about what you believe by communicating it by your actions. If you’re asked to share something personally over lunch–that’s different. But religion has a way of being offensive no matter what side of the fence you sit on. It’s a topic best to not bring up.
Politics
Just like religions, discussions on politics can get heated. The issues are often deeply personal, and your taking a strong stance one way or the other may have the affect of upsetting your co-workers. In general, debating is better left for the dinner table at home.
Personal Details
I am always amazed at what people are willing to share in public. If you had Montezuma’s revenge. . .it is sufficient to simply say you are sick. If you had a wild weekend–you don’t need to share. If your dating life is a wreck–again, that’s a conversation for a good friend–after work. I have actually known people who didn’t get hired with the reasoning of, “Well, if their personal life is that kind of a wreck, how well could they possibly manage here at this company.” If you have to share details of something that happened, share sparingly. This is one case where less is more.
This doesn’t mean you can’t have after hours conversations or make any friends at work. But when you’re in the office, it’s always best to keep it professional. When you do decide to share your thoughts and views, do so with caution remembering that you might be among friends, but you’re also among colleagues.
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Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, solves breastfeeding problems, shares parenting tips, and current research in the baby blog, and insight, resources and ideas as a regular guest blogger in the homeschooling blog. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.