Workplace Multiplier by Tola Akinsulire

May 21, 2025

Welcome to the Workplace Multiplier newsletter. Published Monday to Friday, equipping you to achieve your professional goals faster and without burnout or overwhelm by leveraging The Triple Win Method.

Why I Don't Drink at Business Dinners

Howdy ,

Earlier this week, I went out for a business dinner.

As you can expect, this sort of dinner comes with alcohol.

I don’t drink alcohol.

Most of the people at the table had become familiar with that.

As a result, I get the occasional tease about it… Are you taking a glass of warm milk?

But I take it good sport.

Why?

My values and principles are mine.

How people at work respond to it is up to them.

This is why it’s important to have a good understanding of boundaries at work. No matter the strong peer pressure or casual teasing, standing firm on your personal boundaries is essential for maintaining your authentic self in professional settings.

The Power of Personal Boundaries

Boundaries aren't about isolating yourself or being rigid. They're about honoring who you are and what matters to you, even when it's not the popular choice.

In my case, choosing not to drink isn't a judgment on others. It's simply my personal choice, aligned with my values. When colleagues understand this isn't up for negotiation, respect naturally follows.

How to Navigate Workplace Pressure

If you find yourself in similar situations, here are some approaches that have worked for me:

1.  Stay lighthearted: A simple "I'll take orange juice" with a smile often diffuses any awkwardness.

2.  Focus on connection: For example, the purpose of business dinners is building relationships, not what's in the glass.

3.  Be consistent: When you consistently honor your boundaries, people stop questioning them.

4.  Don't apologize: There's no need to justify your personal choices. A confident "I'm good with soft drinks, thanks" is all that's required.

The Unexpected Benefits

What's fascinating is how standing firm on small boundaries builds your reputation as someone with integrity. People may tease, but they also notice your consistency.

I've found that colleagues often privately express admiration for those who can maintain their principles without making others uncomfortable. Some have even confided they wish they had the confidence to do the same.

Your Values, Your Choice

At the end of the day, your values define you far more than your ability to conform to social expectations. When you honor your principles – whether about alcohol, working hours, communication styles, or any other boundary – you show up as your authentic self.

And that authenticity is a powerful professional asset that builds trust far more effectively than going along with the crowd ever could.

You can win at work and in life by being true to yourself.

Keep standing firm on what matters to you. 

Keep winning at work and in life.

Tola Akinsulire

Your Strategic Workplace Mentor

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Want to get in on some of the lessons I have picked up in my career? Get my eBook "21 Lessons I Learned in My Career - A Primer to Help You Become Better at Work". Get it here

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