陈豪在北京的ABC美国公司工作。他午间休息遇到了美国同事Amy。

(Office ambience)

C:Amy, 你看见副总裁布朗先生有关公司野餐的电子邮件了吗?

A:Yes, I read it this morning. It sounds like fun. I think the committee is planning a full day of activities.

C:没错,要整整一天,而且还是个星期六。

A:You sound as if you have a problem with all this.

C:我是有点儿不高兴。我这是第一次听说公司还要开野餐会。

A:It’s become a tradition, and it is always held on the same weekend each year. We have a great time.

C:可我一点儿兴趣也没有,尤其是要浪费一天周末时间。我打算告诉布朗,说我那天正好有事。

A:Chen Hao, That is not a good idea. Everybody is expected to be there. It’s really not an option unless you have a legitimate reason for your absence.

C:什么?非去不可?可我觉得,周末是自己的时间。公司没有权利要求我用自己的业余时间去参加工作上的活动。

A:You need to understand how these events are part of your job. Let’s take a minute and sit over there in the park to discuss this.

C:我倒是想听听,为什么公司野餐非去不可!

******

Amy和陈豪在公园的椅子上坐下。

A:Let me see if I can explain this to you. If you want to be a successful member of the team, you have to do more than just show up for work every day and do your job.

C:这太可笑了。参加社交活动跟做好本职工作又有什么关系呢?

A:First of all, they are a way to build relationships with our colleagues and co-workers. You get to see another side of people when you do things together outside of work. You establish friendships on another level.

C:加深对同事的了解?跟他们做朋友?可我为什么要跟他们做朋友呢?

A:Having good relationships with co-workers can make daily work life more pleasant and make shared assignments go more smoothly.

C:好吧,我去就是了,可为什么还要主动承担组织筹备的工作呢?

A:By serving on a committee and helping out with the event, you have the opportunity to reveal leadership skills and to express a spirit of cooperation.

C:我注意到,野餐会上还有不少家庭活动。

A:That’s right. There are events for adults and children. Everyone brings their family so it is all quite lively.

C:我们有必要去认识同事的家人吗?

A:Of course you do. Displaying an interest in their family says that you value more than just your workplace relationship with your co-workers.

C:那好吧,我回去就报名参加野餐组织委员会。