Company Holiday Parties Can Lead to Fun – and Your Future Success
Did you get the memo that more companies are sponsoring soirees this holiday season than in past years? Despite occasional groans by corporate drones, the annual holiday party is generally considered a morale booster. After all, when else would you (and your entire company) discover that your accounting auditor may be diffident by day but be Disco Dan by night?
Company fêtes are social occasions first and foremost. Often, the achievements of outstanding employees are highlighted. These after-hours happenings provide a great opportunity for you to update the impression that others have of you. If you want to be viewed more favorably than, say Disco Dan, these tips will help you to have more fun and even possibly get ahead in your career.
Party Planning
When you receive an invitation take note of not only what is says, but how it looks and the means by which it was sent: by Evite, a Xeroxed copy placed in your in-box, an invitation printed on stationery. The level of formality displayed in its presentation should measure up to its content. This information will help you decide if someone should attend with you and what each of you should wear.
Get clear on this: Company parties are business events and not drunk fests. It is bad form to freeload on the company and it’s not a good idea to invite a floozy as your date. But it is fine to invite your fiancé. Your significant other would be significantly more suitable than someone you just met last weekend. Your special so-and-so should be there to support you and to have a great time together, not to be a scandalous embarrassment. Introduce your date to your colleagues and get her or him involved in the evening.
Many wonder what to wear to an evening event that is both business and festive. Plan your outfit to be businesslike with a festive touch. The same goes for your guest. In fact, see to it that she is not sporting a plunging neckline or is wearing makeup that is over applied. Otherwise she will be the topic around the water cooler the very next day. Colorful neckwear or a solid colored dress shirt can give a guy some holiday cheer. Something sparkly, such as earrings, an evening bag, or high heels, adds a special touch for a special gal. Just remember to keep your outfit businesslike and appropriate to your industry’s culture. However you dress, don’t let it “all hang out” because your personal business is no one else’s business at a business function.
Celebratory Conduct
While it is acceptable to have a drink or two at the holiday party, remember that you’re attending a business function. Don’t fare worse than Disco Dan by imbibing like you’re drinking from a hose. It’s unseemly to slur your speech because you get sloshed, unbecoming if you grow belligerent toward your boss after too many bottles of brew and terrifying if you tell too much truth after throwing back too many highballs. You could offend or harass someone and lose your job. With behavior like this you’ll surely be the talk around the water cooler for days to come. Alternate your alcoholic consumption with soft drinks or water, and be sure to eat something, too. Drink responsibly.
While you’re cocktailing with colleagues, take the opportunity to network with others who you don’t know. Spend some short amount of time with management, but keep the conversation social. Invest your time by getting to know more about others and ask questions that show you are interested in developing a connection. Chat about a current event. Find out about common interests. Schmoozing is a bit of an art form if you’re not well practiced. If you’re just not clicking with someone, the best way to move on is to excuse yourself politely and cross to the opposite side of the room and introduce yourself to someone else.
Believe it or not, your conduct at the company party can influence your future. Those superiors whose support you seek for a raise or promotion are less apt to consider someone who doesn’t promote himself well at company activities. It doesn’t matter if your bash is bowling, boogying, bocce ball or ballroom dancing. It may seem that more casual environments call for an easing of established traditions but don’t be fooled. Get out there. Have fun and remember, it may be a party, but it’s still about business.
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