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Make holiday parties work for you

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By BOB WEINSTEIN, Special Sections correspondent

Published: December 9, 2007

'Tis the season to be merry. Whether you work for a small, medium or large organization, chances are there is going to be some kind of celebratory event. There are two absolute rules you should heed regarding these important events:

The first is show up; the second is to behave appropriately.
In this holiday special feature, we'll look at these two critical commandments that ought to be followed to the letter.

Not showing up is rude

Even if you have another commitment, make it a point to show up for at least an hour, stresses Rich Gee, president of Rich Gee Coaching in Stamford, Conn. Gee works with managers and top executives in companies throughout the United States.

"Unless you have an iron-clad reason for not showing up — an emergency at home — make it a point to arrive within a half-hour of the scheduled time," Gee says.

Management — your immediate supervisor and senior executives — expects all employees to attend holiday parties. "Your absence is conspicuous," Gee says. "The first person who'll notice that you're missing is likely to be your boss."

It's not a business event

Management likes to see all employees getting together and having fun in a social setting. Like all organizational social events, which include company outings, picnics or sporting events, management wants to see its people relax, enjoy themselves and interact with everyone — management and co-workers — in an easygoing, nonthreatening, congenial setting.

It's also an opportunity to meet management and shine outside the conference room, Gee adds.

"It's a time to meet and connect with your bosses," he says. "At the same time, the yearly holiday party is not the place to butter up, impress and score merit points. Taking that tack could do more harm than good, because senior management doesn't want to find out how smart you are or know about your brilliant revenue-boosting ideas. Holiday parties are not the place for this. All they expect to see is your light and social side."

Holiday parties are not to be considered networking events, yet they can be low-key, subtle networking opportunities, Gee adds. "Before you make the rounds and greet everyone, you'd be wise to scan the room and determine who's attending that you'd like to get to know," he suggests. "Possibly, it's a senior manager who's in charge of your division, someone you don't have an opportunity to strike up a conversation with or your boss's boss."

Opportunity to build new relationships

Company parties are an opportunity for staffers and managers to get to know one another, ask questions and share opinions. "It's a chance to talk about topics that interest you outside the office," Gee says.

Comfortable people skills are remembered

Don't for a moment think that friendly conversations with management will be forgotten. Consider that while you're having fun, your managers also are checking you out. They've noted your social and people skills. These are the traits management looks for and wants to develop.

Behave appropriately

While food and alcoholic beverages may be plentiful, remember where you are. It's a party, and it's a time to lighten up and have fun. But it's not just any party — it's a company party and your bosses are footing the bill. Keep that fact of life in mind before you indulge in too much food and drink and then regret your behavior the next day.

The way to stay on top of your game, says Gee, is to limit yourself to one drink, or better yet, stay clear of alcohol altogether.

Food? Avoid anything that drips or stains. Why take chances? A stain on your shirt, jacket or tie stands out and attracts attention.

Last word

Inevitably, someone always makes a fool of himself at a holiday party. Unfortunately, despite the festive environment, that person always is remembered. Make sure that person is not you.

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