Tips for Socially Awkward Accountants

Accountants are known to be socially awkward. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) lists some top tips for socializing at work:

Walk and talk: Take a five-minute break from your desk every 90 minutes, and walk around and say hi to a co-worker.
Prep your intro: Practice a short “elevator speech” about who you are, what you stand for and what your interests are when you know you’re going to meet new co-workers.
Be strategic: Introduce yourself to people you don’t know who interest you or have a job you’d like to know more about.
Connect: Notice what’s on someone’s desk and ask about it as an icebreaker.
Expand: Socialize with everyone on your team so there’s no hint of favoritism.
Keep it classy: Drink in moderation and discuss only neutral topics at work functions.
Unplug: Give LinkedIn a rest periodically and telephone your contacts.
Check in: After you meet someone, follow up within 24 hours with a call, email, or text.

No, the AICPA is being serious, and please, dear reader, refrain from laughing when Joe or Sue from accounting stammers a question about your dog; remember who screens your expense reports. © 2014 Stephen Yuen