
'Tis the season for ... office holiday parties.
In the summer, it's office picnics or barbecues. At other times of year, there are other types of corporate get-togethers. And then there are always trade shows and conventions.
All of these events share some common pitfalls. It's a tricky balancing act, blending professionalism with socializing. And at a fancy holiday party, your co-workers suddenly don't even look much like themselves. When your boss exchanges her no-nonsense business attire for a glittery party dress and high heels, it gets confusing. Add an open bar to the mix, and we've all got stories we could tell - about other people, for sure, but probably on ourselves as well.
It is, after all, a party. You want to have fun. You're entitled to have fun. And everyone expects people to loosen up a little bit at a party, right?
Well ... yes - and no. You'll notice that it's rare for senior management to be the ones everyone talks about the next day. Not unheard of, of course, but not common, either. And even if they do go a little over the top, this is one case where modeling your behavior on theirs won't get you the recognition you want. (In fact, the adage to act and dress like the management level you aspire to isn't all that reliable. But that's another article for another time.)
On the face of it, it seems simple: behave professionally.
Of course, if it was that easy, there wouldn't be any problem, would there? Here are three ways to help keep the office party from undermining your career.
Drink Sensibly
A cautious glass of wine with dinner is one thing. But when there's an open bar, as is often the case at office parties, it can be difficult to resist. You know your capacity - and you know that "capacity" can sometimes be a sliding scale when you're having fun and being encouraged by others' behavior. So have that wine or beer with your dinner, and call it quits. Surveys by organizations like TheLadders.com show that 79% of executives report their employees' worst mistake at parties was over-indulging.
You could even make yourself a hero with your friends and offer to be the designated driver. They'll help you keep your commitment - and be forever indebted!
Be Seen - but Not Remembered
Even when you're drinking sensibly, it's still easy to get dragged into the general shenanigans by the others around you. It's an absolute fact that your boss knows who you hang out with, and your reputation can be made or marred by those people's behavior just as it is by your own. Perhaps that's not exactly fair, but it's reality nonetheless.
You don't want to be a total drag on everyone's fun, of course - including your own. Just remember that your ability to enjoy yourself within reason is a good sign that you can be relied upon in social situations with important clients. So don't do or say anything that you wouldn't do or say during regular office hours.
It's Still Work
You're staying out of the hot spots of hilarity, and you might be feeling a little sorry for yourself. But this is a work-related event, not a social engagement. It may be after normal work hours and it may be calling itself a "party," but it's a work function nonetheless.
Your goal at any office event, even a party, is to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and talents. In doing so, you're not being insincere in any way; you're simply being professional and staying focused on your career.
And be sure to get together in a real social event where you can indulge in a few drinks and a lot of laughs. It's much more fun when you're with good friends, after all!
"If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs ... Yours is the Earth and everything in it." First and last lines from "If," by Rudyard Kipling, British author and poet, 1865-1936. The whole poem is available at http://www.swarthmore.edu/~apreset1/docs/if.html
(c)Grace L. Judson
Helping professionals who loathe corporate politics and want to lead with integrity and compassion.
About the Author
I'm Grace Judson, the founder of and driving force behind Svaha Concepts.
Feeling trapped between your career goals and your loathing for "playing politics"? You can remain true to your values and integrity and still be politically savvy. For more information or to access my free resources (including my free workbook "The Five Deadly Shoulds of Office Politics that Maul, Mangle, and Murder Careers (and what to do about them)," please visit Svaha Concepts' website.
Aeron Chair : Aeron Chair by Herman Miller - Home Office Desk Task Chair Fully Loaded Highly Adjustable Large Size (C) - PostureFit Lumbar Back Support Cushion Graphite Frame Classic Carbon Pellicle