One thing you can count on
during the holiday season is the obligatory office party.
No matter what the size of the organization, there is
always an effort to bring coworkers together for one more
moment of merriment. Some people look forward to the
chance to mix and mingle outside the confines of business
and others would rather give up the annual bonus than have
to spend precious personal time with the gang from work.
No matter which side of the issue you fall on, there are
certain rules of behavior to follow at the office party if
you want to have an office to go to when the party is
over. When the invitation arrives for the holiday
happening, make sure that you know the answers to these
key questions:
DO I HAVE TO GO?
Don't even consider NOT going unless you have a
justifiable conflict. The office party is part of your
job. Its purpose is to bring together coworkers and
colleagues for a bit of camaraderie and some well-deserved
recognition. If this is not your idea of a great time,
then just consider it work, put on your best attitude and
go.
DO I NEED TO KNOW WHO WILL BE THERE?
Find out who else has been invited. If you assume that it
is just your department or your work team, you may not be
prepared to interact with everyone else. Any sort of
mixing and mingling event requires advance preparation.
Knowing who will be there and what you will talk to each
one about is critical to a successful venture.
HOW LONG SHOULD I STAY?
Stay long enough to speak to everyone there – assuming
there is not a cast of thousands. With a large crowd,
interact with as many people as possible, especially the
key people like your boss. You need to remain at the event
for at least an hour or you will give the impression that
your appearance was merely obligatory.
If you are having a grand time, check your watch. Leave
before the party time has elapsed. If your invitation was
from 5-7, don't stay one minute past 7 o’clock. You don't
want to be thought of as part of the clean-up crew unless
that is the next job you want to have.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Remember that this is the office party, and keep your
guard up when deciding how to dress. If the event is
immediately after work, your business attire is
appropriate. If the party is later in the evening or on
the weekend, your choices will vary depending on the type
of event. If you aren't certain what to wear, check
directly with your host or with coworkers whose taste and
judgment you trust. Make sure that what you wear reflects
well on you professionally. This is not the time to show
up in your most revealing outfit.
IS MY FAMILY INVITED?
Not unless it says so on the invitation. If the
invitation reads "and family", take the kids. Otherwise
leave them at home with the babysitter. Unless your spouse
is mentioned or the envelope is addressed to your name
"and guest", you and only you should show up.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I EAT AND DRINK?
Whether the event is a reception with light hors d'oeuvres
or a full buffet, keep moderation in mind. You are not
there for the food. You are there for the fellowship so
resist the urge to fill your plate to overflowing. The
person who goes through the line first and takes all the
food will not be remembered fondly or invited back.
Drink in moderation. Alcohol and business rarely mix
well so limit how much you consume. This is an opportunity
to build business relationships and to promote yourself.
You will want to keep your wits about you because your
after-hours conduct will have a direct bearing on your
business future.
IS IT ALL RIGHT TO DANCE ON THE TABLE WITH A
LAMPSHADE ON MY HEAD?
Not at the office party, no matter how well the shade
fits or what a great little dancer you are. Enjoy
yourself, but keep in mind that this is still about
business and make sure that you don't have TOO much fun.
The holiday party is not the time to let down your hair
or throw caution to the wind. What you say and do on
Saturday night will live on for a long time in the minds
of your associates. If your behavior is inappropriate,
your career may be shorter than everyone else's memory. If
you conduct yourself with charm and savvy, your rise up
the ladder of success could pick up speed.
******************************************
Lydia Ramsey, speaker and author of MANNERS THAT SELL, is
a leading authority on business etiquette. To receive her
FREE business etiquette tips, click here:
http://lydiaramsey.com/signup/index.html or
http://www.mannersthatsell.com/.
