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 Company outings are no picnicBy Kate Lorenz Editor's Note: CNN.com has a business partnership with CareerBuilder.com, which serves as the exclusive provider of job listings and services to CNN.com. With the corporate retreat and outing season upon us, workers are stepping out of their cubicles and into the less-charted territory of playing golf, tennis or barbecuing with their colleagues. These outings have led to such awkward moments as the purchasing analyst whose slippery grip on his golf club sent his division's vice president to the emergency room or the marketing director whose bathing suit top came off during a game of beach volleyball. Add in families and alcohol, and the potential for embarrassment multiplies. As when your spouse warmly greets your boss, mentioning that the person with him now (his wife) was not the woman he was with at the Christmas party or when your 3-year-old daughter advises the CEO that he'd do better in the sack race if he weren't so fat. They're meant for fun and team-building, but company outings can advance or sink your career faster than you can say, "Please pass the mustard." Nevertheless, you should always attend, says Susan RoAne, lecturer, author and teacher of networking and business etiquette. RoAne, whose books include "How to Work a Room," "The Secrets of Savvy Networking," "What Do I Say Next?" and "How to Make Your Own Luck," offers these suggestions on how to shine: Remember, it's business: Have fun but keep in mind this is a business event -- not a place to hook up with the office hottie or get your "money's worth" at the open bar. Lasting impressions are formed here. You don't want to be labeled as the guy or gal who got sloshed or paraded around in a thong. Dress appropriately: Come casual but look neat. Don't come in cutoffs or T-shirts with offensive slogans. If there's water sports, men, wear loose fitting trunks -- not a racing Speedo, and women, no itsy-bitsy bikinis. If you'll be playing sports, test-drive that new swimsuit or last year's tennis dress to make sure it will stay put and keep you covered. Bring a change of clothes: You may want to keep a change of clothes in your car in case yours get stained or spilled on -- or if people come dressed more casually or formally than you expected. Don't stand on the sidelines: Join in the fun and participate in at least some of the activities. They're great icebreakers and opportunities to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships. Brush up on your sports skills: If they'll be playing tennis or golf, take some lessons or practice beforehand so that you're in top form. If you've never played before, the outing is probably not the place to learn, as there's a good chance you'll frustrate the more serious players. Don't be over-competitive: If you're a great athlete, this is a good showcase for your talents, but don't be over-competitive, ungracious -- or a showoff. Initiate conversation: The corporate outing is a great opportunity to mingle with people at other levels and divisions with which you normally might not interact. Good conversation starters include talk about the food, games, mosquitoes or the weather. Keep things light and festive. Give compliments: This is a great place to compliment a subordinate or colleague on a project or accomplishment. People appreciate being singled out -- especially in front of others. Talk to spouses and kids: Show interest in the spouses and children attending. Most people don't take time to do this, but what better way to impress the boss than by having his or her family say good things about you? Have an exit strategy: Know when it's time to end a conversation. If things start to drag or you sense the person you're talking to feels trapped, say something casual such as, "I smell dessert," "The three-legged race is calling," or "Can I get you anything from the buffet?" so that you both can move on gracefully. Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. © Copyright CareerBuilder.com 2005. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority
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