Frank: Pixar's four biggest hits started as an idea on an napkin, so did Southwest Airlines' original business plan. I actually take all of my notes on a napkin, even when I'm not at a bar, it's extremely inefficient. For those who find greatness behind the shadow of a beer tap, others find career‐altering embarrassment. We're all familiar with these next people. The one upper.
Katie: I've been to Paris, honey. Don't bother. It's full of tourists. Uh, this wine is trash.
Frank: The over the line guy.
Sue: Yeah, but Jeff never turned in his time sheets yet.
Ben: Maybe that's why his wife left him.
Frank: The BFFL is the guy who never says two words in a meeting but get a few drinks in him, and he's telling you he loves you.
Greg: This is the best night of my life. I love you guys.
Drew: It's Wednesday, Greg, and you were supposed to pick up your kids.
Frank: Here's how to avoid being an inside joke inside your office. Step one, eat something. Drinking on an empty stomach is one of the most dangerous things that you can do. Studies have actually shown that your blood alcohol level can be 70% higher on an empty stomach. So grab something on the go or eat at the bar. I, on the other hand, always have a backup plan.
Dan: Hey, man, you going to happy hour?
Frank: I'll be right there.
Of course, make sure you have a good base before you tie one on, but don't overdo it. Step two, play it safe. Look, this isn't spring break and the main objective is not to get annihilated. If it's happy hour, it's to unwind and get to know your coworkers better. If it's a client meeting or a networking event, remember, you're representing yourself as well as your company. Some easy tips, have one less drink than you would with your close friends, and take it down an octane level. Never do shots. Save the IPAs for home and nurse it. Take your time. The rival frat is not there to heckle you anymore.
Step three, go. Now this goes for everyone from management on down. I know things come up and we can't always make these events, but if you consistently decline or don't participate, it creates a valley between you and the rest of the company. Here's how you handle it. Go early and leave early, or organize a company‐sponsored happy hour or event. For those who don't want to drink, grab a bottle of water and some peanuts, and get to know the accounting department. They watch Scandal, too. Look, I know it's easy to tiptoe over the line when booze is involved, I have a hard time saying no when it's been a long week and there's Hop Devil on tap. But following these rules is a far better alternative than having to write your boss an apology e‐mail for this.
Episode 7 - Business Drinking Etiquette
Ever have to face your co-workers after a night of overindulgence? Or wake up remembering what you said to your coworkers about your boss? Don’t be that guy. In this week’s episode of Casual Fridays, learn how to have some brews at your next business event without wearing a cone of shame the next morning in the office.
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