One thing you can count on during the summer season is the obligatory office party. No matter what the size of the organization, there is always an effort to bring colleagues together for a moment of joy. Some people look forward to the opportunity to mix and mingle outside the confines of business and others prefer to give up the annual bonus to spend precious personal time with the gang from work.
No matter what part of the problem falls, there are certain rules of behavior to follow at the office party if you want to have an office to go to when the party ends. When he gets an invitation to the party going, make sure you know the answers to these key questions:
1. Should I go? Do not even consider not going if you have a justifiable conflict. The party office is part of your job. Its purpose is to bring together colleagues and colleagues for a bit 'of camaraderie and a well-deserved recognition. If this is not your idea of a great moment, then consider the job, put on your best attitude and go.
2. I need to know who I be? Find out who else was invited. If we assume that this is simply a department or workgroup, you may not be ready to interact with everyone else. Any type of mixing and mingling event requires advance preparation. Knowing who will be there and speak with an idea of what is fundamental to a successful business.
3. How long should I stay? Stay long enough to speak to everyone there - assuming there is a cast of thousands. With a large crowd, interact with as many people as possible, especially the key people like your boss. You need to stay at the event for at least an hour or give you the impression that your appearance was merely obligatory.
If you are having a good time to check the clock. Leave the party before the time is up. If your invitation was 5-7, not always a minute after 07:00. I do not want to be thought of as part of the crew cleaning unless you have the next job you want.
4. What should I wear? Remember that this is the party office, and keep our guard up when deciding how to dress. If the event is immediately after work, your business attire is appropriate.
If the part is then in the evening or on weekends choices vary depending on the type of event. If you are not sure what to wear, check directly with the host or colleagues whose opinion you trust and taste. Ensure that what you wear reflects well on you business. This is not the time to show in your dress more revealing.
5. Is my family invited? Unless it says so on the invitation. Take your children only if the invitation reads "and family". Otherwise, leave them at home with the babysitter. Unless your spouse is mentioned or the envelope is addressed to you "and guest" you and only you should show up.
6. What am I saying? Not what you have to say, this is what others are saying. The trick is allowing other people to talk. If you intend to proceed with some good open questions, you'll have no problem with conversations. The best conversation starter begins with "Tell me ..." You can then continue with "That's interesting. Tell me more."
7. How much should I eat and drink? If the event is a reception with light hors d'oeuvres or a full buffet, keep moderation in mind. No food. You are there for the fellowship so resist the temptation to fill your plate to overflowing. The person who passes through the first line and take all the food will not be remembered fondly or invited back.
Drink with moderation. Alcohol and business rarely mix well and then limit what is consumed. This is an opportunity to build business relationships and promote themselves. You want to keep your wits about you because your behavior after hours will have a direct impact on your future business.
8. I have to make a gift? Unless you are asked to bring something to share with colleagues, the only gift is appropriate for your welcome. While flowers and wine are popular items, the approach with caution. Take wine or liquor only if you are sure that you drink alcoholic beverages hosts. If wine is served with a meal, ask in advance what kind of wine would be appropriate. Otherwise, make it clear that you expect your host to save the wine for a later time.
With flowers, take cut flowers already arranged in a vase should not be returned. The host does not have to scurry to find a vase and arrange flowers while there are guests to enjoy themselves. Gift baskets with jams, jellies, or gourmet food that can be stored and served later are the best choices.
9. All right to dance on the table with lampshades on his head? Not at the party office, no matter how well suited or what a great little dancer you are. Have fun, but keep in mind that is still in business and make sure not too funny.
The holiday party is not the time to let your hair or throw caution to the winds. What you say and do on Saturday night will live long in the minds of his collaborators. If your behavior is inappropriate, your career may be shorter than all other memory. If you conduct with charm and good sense, you could climb the ladder of success picking up speed.
(C) 2004, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved in all media.
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