Travelling with colleagues is kind of like going on a field trip with classmates in school. Being in a different environment than the confines of the office can however, bring out a whole different side of people which may or may not be a very good thing. However, if you remember a few basic do’s and don’ts, travelling with colleagues could be the highlight of your working life.
Do’s:
1. Use the trip to bond with your co-workers
A buisness trip together can bring your entire team together and help you all bond closely as well. No one is asking you to reveal all your secrets to your colleagues during a buisness trip, but talking about things that aren’t related to work could foster a feeling of togetherness amongst your colleagues.
2. Pick a leader
Usually, a team of co-workers would have at least one senior staff member for a business trip. But if there isn’t, you need to pick a leader from amongst yourselves. This person would be responsible for instructing everyone on what their role in the trip is and to oversee that everyone performs their duties well.
3. Designate responsibilities
Designating responsibilities of the trip allows every member of the team feel needed and involved. Have one person be in charge of logistics and transport, let another be in charge of coordinating with clients while another person could be in charge of taking notes for the official report of the trip, etc.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t let your guard down too much
Sitting close to your colleagues during business travel is sure to get everyone talking about their personal lives too much. However, you need to remember that revealing too much or information that is too private will leave you vulnerable to office gossip.
2. Don’t sleep with you co-workers
Casual flirting with your co-workers in the office is not exactly banned but sleeping with them during a business trip could get you into a lot of trouble, especially if your office frowns upon inter-office relationships.
3. Don’t drink too much
Whether you’re out having drinks with clients or just letting off a steam with your co-workers after the day’s work on a business trip, drinking too much would only leave you with regrets. Even if the office expense account is picking the bar tab for you and your co-workers, you should try to drink only as much as you can honestly handle.