Office Christmas and holiday season parties will soon be in full swing...in more ways than one. While the event may require your attendance, regardless of your company status, your behaviour could affect your business or career.
While others are wearing lampshades and partying like it's 1999, it's imperative that you maintain your decorum. Respect lost at the party may never be recovered again.
For managers and line staffers, the opportunity to mingle socially with top management or the owner, can be critical to their career path. All too often, the road to the top is littered with potholes and many promising careers end up in the ditch. Instead of understanding that the office Christmas party is part of the job, all too many employees treat it like a holiday. That vacation can easily become a permanent one for those who are not careful.
Treat the party as a day at the office. Senior management, and their spouses, will be watching the aspirants to the corner offices. Not only you are on display, but so is your significant other. It is best to arrive about an hour or two after the party starts. With that timing policy, you are almost certain to meet everyone of significance. You also avoid the later hours excesses, when lampshades and photocopied anatomy rule the night, and end careers.
A few too many drinks for either of you can derail a career before it even gets underway. A good rule of thumb for anyone is to only take only one drink, or at most two, with the second glass left unfinished. No one wants to be remembered as a sloppy drunk, a would be prize fighter, or an amateur exotic dancer. After you finish your drinks, say your goodbyes and leave.
Staying about an hour. or two at the most, to say a few words to everyone in the company sends a positive message. It also creates a strong impression of being sociable, yet very responsible. Your significant other can also be a positive force by talking to spouses and senior management, adding an extra dimension to your reputation as a solid citizen, worthy of advancement. They can also make sure you leave at the predetermined hour assuring your graceful exit.
If your desire is to party the night away, that is also possible. You and your partner can go elsewhere to relax enjoy yourselves. After all, you just got off work, disguised as a Christmas or holiday party.
Don't let the Christmas party turn your career into a lump of coal. A little common sense could find the festive party season presenting you the gift of a lasting career.
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