BLUF: Beyond being to play golf, are there other social/recreational pursuits which commonly turn up in a business environment which it is good to be reasonably comfortable with.
I am at a point where I am making the trek to HQ and/or being invited to offsite meetings that involve upper management (deputy C level) and there is sometimes the opportunity for more informal* contact -- so far dinner or the bar. Thank heavens it has been too snowy for golf!!
My division is the roughneck division of the company -- and I am reasonaby adept within its confines -- e.g. my horshoes are not bad, I am comfortable with a variety of fishing tackle, and I can pack a horse. However, at the HQ level, I am noticing a context with a greater breadth of people who are often more urban and worldly and I don't want stick out because I am grossly out of step, miss an exposure opportunity becasue I don't (fill in the blank), or spend the entire afternoon terrified of knocking out the lady on the adjacent fairway.
Any thoughts on the matter? Are there other common forms of business recreation?It's one of those areas that I had not previously given much thought.Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.
P.S. I do have to admit that golf if pretty fun and wished I'd learned much earlier!!
*I appreciate that there is nothing "informal" about this and it is really part of the unofficial checking-out process.
Don't worry too much
Golf is the biggie. Sport fishing shows up a lot. They are both very social, and allow for lots of conversation.
Don't be surprised by card games. Know how to play Blackjack if you have an offsite near a casino. A lot of executives like Bridge (Buffet and Gates famously; many others who aren't famous). Cards, like golf, afford socializing opportunities (and a chance to see how you act under pressure).
As for company picnics outdoors; for the most part, being willing to play and not being a total dork are most important. How well you play (volleyball, softball, horseshoes, badminton, whatever) is much less important than doing your best and being gracious.
If you're invited to do something you don't know, just say, "I've never played [whatever] but if you don't mind a novice, I'd love to join!" Invariably, someone will offer to show you the ropes. Great opportunity to get to know someone.
Aside from that, the games tend be more "personal" in that they are undertaken based on an existing relationships, rather than being used to build relationships. Many executives play squash - it's unlikely you'll be asked to do so while visiting HQ, however. It's more likely that a couple of the execs are already buddies who like to play squash.
Consider something you like: if it's social and can be easily played by novices, perhaps you could offer to take your colleagues out for something. You might be pleasantly surprised to find some like-minded individuals who'd love laser tag!
John Hack
Be well read and follow college sports
If you read the Wall street Journal on a regular basis, you will have plenty of relevant business news to talk about. The occasional business book or Harvard Business Review article can not hurt either.
Many Executives follow college sports, especially their Alma matter. If you can find out where they went to school, it might give you another topic to talk about. You probably do not want to fake the sports angle, but if you happen to like football/basketball/etc anyway, you can pay a little more attention to their team. Know who their coach is and how the team is doing. That should be enough.
Also, there are a few casts on parties and making conversation here that would be helpful to you.
Hope that helps,
Mike
Thanks, Guys!
Laser Tag -- Yes!! Seriously, thank you for the insight and the response. I sincerely appreciate it.