Not only about work: with whom and what to talk about at a corporate party

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

An instruction to help you avoid awkward pauses in a conversation with colleagues and your boss.

Colleagues you don't know much

Talk to at least one or two new people. Get a couple of other colleagues to help. This makes it much easier to strike up conversations with other strangers.

What to talk about

Find common ground. Ask what podcasts your colleagues are currently listening to or what they read, and ask for recommendations. These questions are especially good for asking a group of people. Everyone will answer something, and the conversation will not die out.

What not to talk about

Don't complain about work. If you are concerned about company problems, discuss possible solutions. For example, ask if a colleague thinks that your company will ever open a branch in another city, develop in the field of virtual reality, or create a kindergarten on the territory of the office.

Don't get hung up on work issues. Holiday parties are a rare opportunity to communicate in a simple human way, which is not always appropriate during working hours. So you better not ask, "What are you doing there in the marketing department?"

Colleagues you avoid

At office parties, everyone usually relaxes. This provides a great opportunity to see less pleasant colleagues from a more human side. Try to improve on an unworkable relationship. This can be beneficial for your career. It also shows that you can listen and empathize.

What to talk about

The very fact that you came up and started a conversation says a lot. Maintain a conversation about light topics. Ask your colleague what their holiday plans are, or just ask if they like the party. Perhaps after the event, you will start to look at him differently and stop avoiding him.

Give a sincere compliment. In the process of working with this person, you may have noticed some positive quality in him, even if something else in him annoys you. Praise your coworker sincerely without feeling flattering or sycophantic.

What not to talk about

Don't mention the annoying messages you exchanged a week ago. This will only exacerbate the situation.

Your immediate supervisor

On the one hand, it is quite easy to communicate with him, because you constantly work together. But for the same reason, it may turn out that you have nothing to talk about - you already know everything.

What to talk about

20% of the conversation can be devoted to work. For example, share new ideas. You can discuss them in more detail in the office or at the next meeting.

Ask why the leader chose this field of activity, what is the most valuable career development advice he received. Listen and ask questions, so you get to know the leader as a person better.

What not to talk about

Superficial questions will not make a good impression, but you shouldn't go too deep into personal dramas either.

Senior executives

It is unlikely that they want to talk about work, they already have to do it all the time. Therefore, show an interest in the person as a person, and not just in someone who holds a high position.

What to talk about

Consider if there is an area of the company that you know little about. Talk to a leader in this area, ask what issues they are currently solving. Perhaps you can offer a fresh look or an original solution.

You can also discuss strategic ideas for the near future. This will show that you are interested in the development of the company, and the leader will most likely have something to say.

The most important thing in any conversation is not to get hung up on how to make a good impression. Be genuinely interested and try to learn more about the other person.

What not to talk about

Do not exactly ask: "What exactly do you do in the company?" Prepare ahead of time. Find out who will be at the party and what they are up to to avoid embarrassing situations.