Lunchtime Politics at Work: How to Utilize This Hour for Career Advancement

By Rafael Magaña

The workforce isn't much different than high school in many ways. There isn't a "cool" table but not making the most out of your lunch break can severely cost you. If you would like more visibility for a promotion, you need to work on your lunchtime skills. Building rapport with people is just as necessary as performing above expectations. Here are four ways that you can maximize your daily lunch break for success.

1. Schedule 5-Min Meetings

If you have a 1-hour lunch break, then you have time to grab a quick bite to eat, while still managing to squeeze in 5-minute meetings with influential coworkers. If you have flexibility in when you can take your break, pick an hour that most people are not having lunch. By taking your lunch at 3, you may be able to grab a VP that you have been dying to chat up. Depending on your workplace, you may have to schedule a quick meeting ahead of time. If you schedule a 5-minute meeting three times a week, you will have met at least 15 people in only one month. Not bad for networking, right? During your quick meeting, you can ask a question, share something of value or simply introduce yourself.

2. Get to Know a Mentor

More people are interested in mentoring than you think. You just have to find the right fit. Use your lunchtime to search for a mentor. Ask different people who are one or two levels above you professionally to grab a bite with you. Of course, some might be busy, but you will eventually land a few lunch dates, which may turn into something truly meaningful for your career.

3. Have Food Experiences

Eating is out is expensive, but it is a necessity for networking. Perhaps, you cannot network five days per week. Maybe, you can afford to eat out one day per week. If that is the case, be sure to strategize where you are going to eat and with whom. Sharing food experiences with coworkers is something that bonds you. Going to a new restaurant or stopping by a beloved food truck with a coworker who you are trying to get know will allow you to have a staple in the new relationship. If you take a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to work every day and eat at your desk or alone in the cafeteria, people will not view you as a fun person to get to know.

4. Form Memories

By spending time with different coworkers during your lunch break, you are not only bonding, you are forming memories. People will remember the time that they ordered that terrible burrito and the place with flirty salad maker who always gave you extra toppings. They will recall how nice it felt to step outside the office for a break. This is how camaraderie is formed, and the relationships that you build can only help you.

Being the lone wolf at work may feel relaxing at times. Enjoying a quiet lunch can help you refocus and allow to have some peace during a very busy day. However, isolating yourself is never a good idea if you are driven. By strategically utilizing your lunch break, you will have fun as well as relationships that may go very far.

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Copyright August 05, 2017 by Rafael Magaña. Contact for usage license.

About the Author: Rafael Magaña helps organizations grow. Helps leaders accelerate strategy implementation in their organizations. Founder of Latino Professionals. Director of Major Gifts & Planned Giving. Dedicated to helping build healthy communities. He resides in California. UCLA Alumni. 

Follow Raphael on LinkedIn and on Twitter: @RaphaelMagana

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer.

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