Seven hints for work holiday parties
Gatherings are chance to unwind, but don't overdo it
CareerBuilder.com
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It's that time of year when many workplaces have been holding holiday parties. While these events are a chance to put aside the everyday pressures of work and have a little fun, they certainly are not the time to whoop it up and dance on the desks.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when attending these holiday parties:
Have fun, it's a party: Use your office get-together as a chance to unwind a bit and enjoy the festivities of the holiday season. It's a time to nibble on some goodies and get to know your co-workers on another level. These events can strengthen working relationships and help bolster team unity.
Cocktails anyone?: If alcohol is served, be careful. True, you are at a party and one or two drinks over the course of the evening should be fine. But just because it's readily available, don't overindulge. Nothing kills a career faster than misbehaving at a company event.
Remember, even though it's a party, the image you present is still being judged by your superiors and co-workers.
Take advantage of networking opportunities: Holiday gatherings are a great chance to get some one-on-one conversational time with your boss -- or your boss' boss. It can be the perfect time to bring up a particular project for which you'd like to be recognized.
However, don't accost a higher-up and start reading a litany of your accomplishments. Remember it is a party -- not a job interview -- and not everybody will want to "talk shop."
Don't make the entire party a mission to connect with certain people: While it's a good idea to have a mental list of some of the people you would like to talk to, don't treat it like a quest and set out to see only these people. You'll miss out on much of the fun and camaraderie these occasions offer.
Expand your horizons. There's a whole world beyond your cube: Try to mingle with people other than your immediate co-workers. If you never get a chance to talk to the mailroom manager or someone in the purchasing department -- except when you need their services -- now is the time.
Don't underestimate the power of face-to-face communication. It could mean a future request gets processed quickly as a favor to you.
Don't compare your party to other parties: Don't dish about how extravagant your friend's office party was. Whatever your company does for the holidays is an "extra" for the benefit of its employees and not a necessity. Treat it as such. Graciously attend, have fun and don't grumble about what was missing or how much more you think they could have afforded.
Parting "thanks" imperative: Finally, be a courteous guest and thank whoever was responsible for holding the party before you leave. Nobody likes to be taken for granted. Also, acknowledge those who may have planned the event. Quite often, the person holding the party delegates the planning and details to someone else. That someone should be thanked for his or her efforts as well.
Kick back and enjoy the office celebration as you wrap up another year and look ahead to the start of a fresh, new one.
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