Chapter 8

Unfamiliar Settings: Handling Social Situations

“Work is humanity’s most natural form of relaxation.”

—Dagobert Runes

Sometimes play is work—as when your organization expects you to “show the flag” at social gatherings. But mastering the principles for harmonious interaction at parties and other off-site gatherings can be a daunting challenge.

How can we be sure that the people we encounter during these “nonwork work” events showcase us at our very best? It may take a little practice, because our everyday instincts for proper behavior are usually divided into “business” and “social” spheres. When the spheres intersect, we may feel disoriented and have trouble responding quickly and effectively to challenges.

That’s where this chapter ...

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