Ah, I don’t like drinking. However, years of working as a president of Bach Khoa Music Club. I understand it’s an important part of connecting people. It's like a catalyst for small talk and sharing thoughts. Without alcohol, the party would be boring and dead.
To climb up the career ladder, it’s much more important.
It's a working shift, not a party!
Seriously, do you guys think that at a party, we can hang out and have some kind of small talk about any topics to any person?
I once heard a story about a man who was encouraged by his boss to freely express anything he disliked about both the boss and the company, only to find himself jobless the very next day. It serves as a reminder that despite being in positions of authority, bosses are human too. Alcohol, while loosening inhibitions, can heighten emotions and cloud judgment. Getting too close to your managers without knowing the boundaries can be a death end to your career
On the flip side, some individuals skillfully engage in small talk with their bosses, seizing opportunities. Staying a little longer can provide valuable insights about the person in front of you.
So There are some rules to remember:
- Do not get drunk (even if you’re not good at drinking)
- Stay a little longer (at least till the second round)
- Remember It's a part of your job!
Do not get drunk
It’s a party, let's get drunk and live the moment!
Yasss. This is your moment, but the moment you have to stay a ***king 100% focus and awake. DO NOT GET DRUNK! Even if your coworker and supervisor are not intoxicated, they might take advantage of every opportunity to mistreat you. Naturally, they are curious about your background and opinions about them. Be cautious
In contrast, being awake is a good thing. People like to talk with someone mindful, so pay attention to everything of your small conversation. Build a personal branding. Lemme tell you what kind of adjectives that come to me when I see you still awake during the party, where others started to cry like a child or vomit all over the place: Reliable, mature, and bold.
How to stay awake
- Medicine: They lessen alcohol's negative effects. Watch what you eat. Eat carbs and drink milk before the battle. Don’t eat too much during the party
- Be a Magician: The second half of the fight when everyone started to get drunk. You can swap out your cup or pour beer without any noticing
- Don't drink unless it’s your boss
- Drink if it's a chance to show who you are
- Take a deep breath: change your cognitive status from passive to active.
- Go to the toilet whenever you feel like you have to: get the chance to discharge the alcohol in your body
- Don't drink until it’s half of the party
- Stay away from your boss until your chance come
- Be modest, don’t show off too early
Keep in mind that the amount of beer you consume is limited. I can stay alert after 3 cans of beer, equivalent to about 6 cups of water (in Vietnam, people often drink from cups, typically finishing either 50% or 100% of the cup). This gives me 6 - 8 opportunities to showcase who I am and make an impression. Consider wisely how you utilize these chances!
There are 20% of the people to 80% of your achievements. Focus on them and no more. The rest can wait, and surprisingly, most of them won't be bothered whether you join them for a drink or not. 80/20 Principles
Avoid hovering around your boss right from the start of the gathering. Colleagues often approach the boss for greetings, leading to an unnecessary waste of beer volume for you. Exercise patience and your opportune moment will arrive. What you truly need is to engage in small talk, preferably within a small group. This approach can have a more significant impact on the person you aim to converse with.
Additionally, reserve most of your drinking volume for the later stages of the event. This strategic move ensures you stand out from the crowd. By showcasing your ability to handle alcohol towards the end, you leave a lasting impression on your boss. Even if you're not particularly skilled at drinking, the timing creates an illusion of impressive endurance.
Cultivate modesty, especially in the realm of drinking, where perceptions often diverge from words spoken. Boasting about your drinking capacity, even if accurate, can draw you into numerous social obligations and gatherings merely to demonstrate this skill. Conversely, admitting, "I can't drink much," while quietly proving otherwise by staying till the end, can shape a different narrative with your managers.
Remember, the point here is to prove your personalities not your drinking ability. Your managers are also using their chance to identify trustworthy individuals in the room. This is your golden opportunity to etch an indelible impression in their subconscious, allowing them to form a lasting perception of who you are. Use this moment strategically to reveal the qualities that matter most.
Stay a little longer
All the tips and tricks above just to help you stay longer
When immersing yourself in Vietnam's vibrant drinking culture, remember that the key to a richer experience lies in extending your stay. As the night progresses, the group tends to shrink, creating a more intimate setting. This allows for more meaningful interactions without constant interruptions from a bustling crowd.
Vietnamese celebrations, especially significant ones, often extend beyond the main event. After the primary gathering, it's customary to indulge in additional activities like a round of Karaoke or relocating to another venue for more drinks. Embrace these after-party traditions to further solidify connections and make the most of your time
Understandably, company celebrations are often unavoidable. Instead of treating them as mere social obligations, approach them strategically. Maximize the networking potential by engaging in meaningful conversations and building connections. Consider each gathering as an opportunity to take something valuable away with you, be it a new acquaintance or valuable insights.
Leaving a celebration prematurely can be a missed opportunity. Not only does it limit your chances of meaningful interaction, but it also risks rendering the entire experience a waste of time, health, and effort. To make the most of these cultural festivities, stay engaged until the later stages, ensuring a more enriching and fulfilling experience.
Nonetheless, it's crucial to keep in mind a vital point. Your well-being and performance at the workplace take precedence. If you ever find yourself feeling unwell or anticipate being late for work the next day, it's imperative to pause and step away. Don’t push yourself excessively in such situations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, successfully navigating the work-party balancing act in Vietnam involves a blend of cultural understanding, strategic thinking, and a mindful approach to personal and professional boundaries. By incorporating these insights into your approach, you can make the most of every celebration, leaving a positive impact on your career and connections. Cheers to a successful and fulfilling journey in the dynamic landscape of Vietnamese social and professional gatherings!
Top comments (1)
The 80/20 principle applied to networking at drinking events—brilliant! I love the idea of saving your ‘drinking volume’ for the right moments. Do you think this strategy works equally well in different cultural settings, or is it more effective in Vietnam?