I like this time of year. Workers seem happier. The city comes alive. Maybe it’s the better weather (hello summer), the festive spirit and that welcome time off over Xmas, waving at us from the horizon.
Whatever it is, the vibe is good.
Your calendar over the next couple of weeks is, I suspect, littered with Xmas functions: industry events, client lunches and my personal favourite, the staff Xmas party.
In recent years we’ve seen a rise in the number of “pre-function warning emails” and lengthy HR policies/processes/procedures around how staff (including you, the manager) are expected to behave and conduct themselves at said parties. There are even some larger businesses contemplating banning alcohol from work functions altogether.
What a shame.
The problem with this approach? It punishes the many (the good) due to the potential poor behaviour of the few (the bad). It’s baby-management and weak leadership.
My approach? I used to have a quick chat with my team, pre event. An adult conversation. In it, I would say something like this:
👉 We’re all adults, right? Answer: Yes.
👉 You all get it, about how you’re expected to behave during the Xmas party? Answer: Yes, Paul … we have all read the emails and lengthy HR policies (with nodding heads).
👉 Great! So you can each promise me there will be no problems, issues or dramas that I’ll need to deal with, either during or after the party? Answer: Blank stares. I’d then force each of them to answer me.
They’d laugh, of course. But as I’d then say, “We had the chat. Don’t forget.”
My final message was 3 simple rules for everyone to remember:
👉 Do (and say) the right thing.
👉 Don’t be a dickhead.
(This applies to both males and females. You can word this as, “Don’t be a pest” or “Don’t be THAT person”, if you’re too scared to use the word dickhead, or your culture doesn’t allow it.)
👉 Look after each other.
Never issue rules like this if you’re not prepared to meet them yourself, of course. It’s not preaching. But it’s setting the right standards. Which you need to do, as the manager.
Of course, no matter how many chats, warnings and policies you put out there, things can still happen. If someone has a strong idiot gene within them, then pretty much no matter what action you take to mitigate the risks, they’ll misbehave regardless. And you’ll have to deal with the fallout. Which can range from quick chats to lengthy chats, to full-on meetings, to verbal warnings, to written warnings, and even to dismissal. I encountered them all. So be prepared. But don’t dwell on it. You can’t control what other people say and do.
When you’re done with this quick team chat? Off you go. Enjoy the Xmas party! Celebrate a fantastic year together. Drink, laugh, tell stories and have fun. Sure, keep an eye out and be smart. But remember that times like these can really strengthen team bonds and boost your culture.
Santa knows you’ve been good. You and your team deserve some Xmas cheer.
