[throwaway2016a]

30-something with kid here...

I enjoy cracking open a beer and playing some foosball with my team members before going home. I don't get to go to meetups as much as I used to and it's a good chance to socialize.

Also, as a manager it helps me keep my pulse on things. People open up after a beer. Foosball has become a problem... I've gotten really good and sometimes it takes some coaxing to get people to play... "hey, if you don't play you can't get better"

[DKnoll]

I doubt it's just the beer, associating with your subordinates 'outside' work as a peer when nobody is being paid is good leadership and earns you trust and respect.

[throwaway2016a]

Yeah, I wasn't really saying it in a "alcohol loosens you up sort of way"... no one really gets too buzzed on one beer. More of a camaraderie sort of way.