Feature Article
Holiday Office Parties
Dr. E. Carol Webster
Copyright © 2004
It’s that time of year when there’s lots of agonizing and hand-wringing
about whether to attend holiday office parties. This usually occurs
because of misguided expectations – namely, that the office party is
supposed to be as much fun as a night out with your friends. Wrong.
The office party is a work-related activity even though its focus is
social. This doesn’t mean it has to be a total bore, but chances are
greater than not that you won’t have the time of your life at one.
You Need to
Attend
Boring or not, you need to attend your holiday office party and that of
your significant other if you are invited. These events allow bosses to
show their appreciation and applaud your contributions to the company, even if all
that is offered are a few munchies and drinks. This helps the organization
salute you for a job well done throughout the year and fosters the type of
bonding that occurs in families that routinely get together on holidays, for
example. You’re a member of the team and, as such, will be expected to make
an appearance, so go. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy yourself too while you’re there.
Remember
that the Party is a Business Event
It can’t be emphasized enough that the office party is a business
event. Don’t let your guard down and dress or behave as if you’re off-duty
in the privacy of your home or in a discrete social setting. If you get loud when
you drink, leave the booze alone. If you tend to hug a buffet table until
you’re stuffed, eat a snack before you head out to the party so you won’t
behave as if you’re at your last supper. Don’t try to fix an empty social
life by flirting with co-workers or scouting for dates. Avoid hunkering down
with the office gossips to get caught up on the latest news. This is a time
to mix and mingle. It is not the time to be identified with any one faction
within the company – certainly not any that is viewed in a negative light.
Maintain professional decorum. Think twice about what you do or say.
Take
Advantage of Networking Opportunities
The holiday party is a perfect time to take advantage of rare networking
opportunities. Corporate big whigs usually make some effort to attend these
events – which gives you a great chance to meet them personally and to
(briefly) work in a line or two about your contributions to the company’s
success. Of course, feel free to expound if more time is extended to you.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to increase your visibility with local
executives too – particularly if you’ve been giving some thought to seeking
promotion into their department. But, skip the hard sell. This isn’t the time
or place for that. It’s simply a good time to be seen and to meet people you
otherwise never would get to talk to in person or who never would put your
face with your name and role in the company other than at an occasion such
as the holiday party.
Send Thanks
Though not usually required, it’s a fine gesture to send thanks to those
responsible for organizing the company’s festivities. Even upper level
executives enjoy being appreciated for the things they do. Likewise, the
committee of employee volunteers who may have handled all the leg work for your company party
will enjoy hearing a “job well done” too. Saying “thanks” takes little
effort and marks you as a class act.
Holiday office parties don’t have to be a drag. Think about what you’d like
to accomplish, whom you’d like to meet -- before you get there -- so that you can
make the most of the event even if it isn’t that much fun. Take the
opportunity to get to know the people you work with better and to leave
positive impressions. Doing so might make it a holiday party to remember
after all.
About the Author:
Dr. E. Carol Webster is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Fort
Lauderdale, FL and is author of
Success Management: How to
Get to the Top and Keep Your Sanity Once You Get There
and The Fear of Success:
Stop It From Stopping You!
