So before you head out to mix and mingle throwing caution to wind or ladies letting your hair down here a few words of wisdom to help you navigate the the potentially dangerous festive waters:
RSVP
Aways
rsvp within in 3 days and if you suddenly find out you are unable to attend be
sure to give ample notice.
Dress Code
Dress
appropriately for the occasion- find out the dress code for the party and follow
it and don’t forget… its business. My suggestion is keep your guard up when deciding on what to wear and stay away from anything that is too short, too tight, too revealing, too casual or that simply looks untidy.
Be on Tme
Never show up early and don’t waltz in
30 mins late. Andn’t be the last employee to leave.
Make Proper
Intros
If you are bringing a date or spouse to the holiday party, be sure you
are properly introducing him or her to your bosses and colleagues
Limit Your Liquor
Open bar should never be interpreted as an open invitation get to
totally smashed… limit your liquor, especially if you’re known to not be the
best at handling it… behavior included!
More so, don’t
over consume…anything. Whether its food, alcohol or people, its important to
enjoy all aspects of the party in moderation.
Dancing
Just because you can get-low does NOT mean you should… especially considering you’re
on the office party dance floor, wouldn’t want that picture to fail the two fridge
test now would you leading to potentially damaging cyber remorse…
Put Your Phone Away
In our always-on society being mindful of your smartphone use is crucial
(practice smartphone etiquette) A
holiday event filled with partygoers instagramming, tweeting and just plain
virtually sharing just about everything, its plain rude! Memorialize
it later or when you’re not in the company of those who deserve your attention
far more than your followers and potential likers!
Don’t Talk Shop
Or gossip or talk politics- No matter who you’re talking to keep the conversation
light, you and the people around you are there to enjoy themselves.
Know Who to Thank
The planner often times gets overlooked and a simple thank you showing
your appreciation can go a long way.
Moral of the story is, share the spirit sensibly. Follow the above suggestions to avoid falling
off the fast track to success or risk damaging your professional reputation in this
one night
of potential inadvertent blunders. And once again, remember the cardinal rule that
no matter how festive the occasion, it's still about business.