Hi Komal,
You've highlighted an interesting and key issue which I guess has not cropped up due to whatever reasons. The fact remains, as an individual one has all the right to choose whether or not to be a teetotaler. And nobody has the authority to question it in the professional front (friends may not always spare you from coaxing though) most importantly due to professional reasons. It can not be a criteria in one's CV!
But, the fact also remains that in social gatherings in a professional set up, people connects faster and better when they share a drink or two. Which is important from HR perspective too. Now, this is where attitude comes into the picture. Even with out having a drink one can be free, comfortable and make the other person comfortable with a little extra effort. One can have a fresh lime, juice, soft drink while networking with people who are having alcohol. In a large gathering people will not be able to make out even that one is not having alcoholic beverage. In a small gathering, one has to make that extra effort to break the ice. Having a drink is not the objective, communicating and connecting with people is! Just imagine if drinking is the criteria and the HR guy gets drunk & sozzled and be on the floor drop dead, what will be the reaction ?? A little bit of 'art of disguise' , smart communication skill, is what a teetotaler needs in this situations ! :) Enjoy !
You've highlighted an interesting and key issue which I guess has not cropped up due to whatever reasons. The fact remains, as an individual one has all the right to choose whether or not to be a teetotaler. And nobody has the authority to question it in the professional front (friends may not always spare you from coaxing though) most importantly due to professional reasons. It can not be a criteria in one's CV!
But, the fact also remains that in social gatherings in a professional set up, people connects faster and better when they share a drink or two. Which is important from HR perspective too. Now, this is where attitude comes into the picture. Even with out having a drink one can be free, comfortable and make the other person comfortable with a little extra effort. One can have a fresh lime, juice, soft drink while networking with people who are having alcohol. In a large gathering people will not be able to make out even that one is not having alcoholic beverage. In a small gathering, one has to make that extra effort to break the ice. Having a drink is not the objective, communicating and connecting with people is! Just imagine if drinking is the criteria and the HR guy gets drunk & sozzled and be on the floor drop dead, what will be the reaction ?? A little bit of 'art of disguise' , smart communication skill, is what a teetotaler needs in this situations ! :) Enjoy !