A saleswoman brought her dog to her manager’s holiday party at his home. The dog proceeded to do his business on the dining room rug!
At another party, a young man got drunk, cursed out his boss and was fired on the spot.
And an administrative assistant wore a very tight, revealing, short dress to her office party.
People do and say all sorts of inappropriate things at holiday parties.
Your behavior always matters. Just because you are out of the office doesn’t mean that your behavior doesn’t count.
To avoid disaster, I recommend that you view the holiday party as you would any other business event. It is not the time to let it all hang out!
Here are my nine guidelines for holiday success:
1. Make sure you attend. Attendance at the company holiday party isn’t optional. Your absence will be noticed, and most likely, noted by your boss and other higher-ups.
2. Prepare conversation ahead of time. Don’t just talk business. Be up-to-date on current events and happenings in your community. Read the newspaper, newsmagazines, company publications and your professional journals.
3. Stay sober. Set a limit for yourself before you go to the party. It is much easier to limit your intake that way. Or, order a drink you don’t like and sip it slowly all night. A bank manager swears that he got promoted because his boss got drunk and she made such outrageous comments at the party that she was fired.
4. Mingle. Talk to people you know and don’t know. This is an opportunity to meet new people. Don’t just stay with your group. Go up to people, introduce yourself and shake hands.
5. Pay attention to your body language. Even if the party is dull, it’s bad manners to let others see how bored you are. Don’t frown, slouch, cross arms or yawn.
6. Dress appropriately. It may be a party, but it’s still business. Wear nothing too short, too low, too tight or too anything.
7. Prepare your spouse. If you’re attending the party with your spouse or significant other, prepare him or her in advance on appropriate dress and topics of conversation. Remember, his or her behavior will reflect on you. And if your spouse is supposed to attend, make sure that he or she does. A CEO told his vice president that he was not advancing any further in the company unless his wife started attending company functions.
8. Your behavior always matters. Have a good time but don’t make major personal revelations or gossip. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that just because this is a party, you can address the company president by first name.
9. And don’t forget to say, “Thank you.” Be sure to send a thank-you note to the party organizer.
Barbara Pachter is a speaker, coach and author of numerous business books, including ‘The Power of Positive Confrontation.’ For a free copy of her e-newsletter, go to www.pachter.com.
