If you had to choose one of the following events, which one would you pick.
A company picnic, a business trip to New York with colleagues or a week end adventure trip sailing with your boss.

Our professional responsibilities are any of our activities related to any of our professional work in and out of the office. Where are the limits? These questions should be addressed before you find yourself in a situation where you have committed a faux pas and do not have a chance to recover from the situation. Here is an evaluation of the circumstances.

First, what are extra-office activities?

Definition:

• The company event such as picnics. These are usually quite unimportant and even feasible to ignore. If you do go to the picnic, try not to become the sports star. It will make you popular with your colleagues but not the higher ups. They are looking for mental not physical aptitude.
• Company trips such as an optional trip offered for a holiday. These can be quite enjoyable but watch out who you bring. Don't bring the screaming baby along.
• Professional activities such as business trips with colleagues. These can be opportunities to develop relationships. Stay away from the Martinis (they are for James Bond).
• Friday at the bar to watch the football match. This is an opportunity to show camaraderie and fraternity. Once again be careful of the impression you are giving.
• The company golf club membership. This is a no-brainer. You can meet a lot of people at the golf club.
• Office Parties. These events are necessary but a short and sweet showing is fine.

What is considered a problem in these circumstances? Really, anytime when your behavior can have a negative effect on your work environment. Diplomacy in these circumstances should be as in the office. If you have several glasses of wine at lunch and do not mind to gossip about your colleagues then you can feel free to do so in after work activities.

How you behave in these circumstances can have a powerful effect on your career. Human nature makes us more acutely aware of our actions when we are in leisure mode, so be careful not to sabotage your future prospects for career advancement by not considering your manners at company events.

Alex Konstantinakis
Entrepreneur Magazine