Holiday parties are a staple this time of year. The calendar gets booked every weekend with events, from entertaining clients, staff, the company party and obligations to friends and family, this time of year can be exhausting.
When mixing the holiday with professional events, it is important to remember a few tips to avoid regret and over-commitments.
A lot of clients expect a token this time of year and while some companies forbid gifts from vendors or business partners, most will allow a lunch or dinner. I try to schedule lunches with my business associates during the season. This keeps my evenings clear and allows me to work in some end of the year business conversations during the middle of a work day.
As the company party rolls around, I make sure my calendar is clear. As a member of the management team it is important that I attend. The party gives me an opportunity to meet staff and their significant other and thank them personally for their work this year. The front-line employees appreciate a good word on how valuable they are to a company in front of others. Don’t be stingy with the positive reinforcement.
Probably the most important piece of advice for holiday parties I can ever give is: It is not a party with friends. Don’t overdo it. While a cocktail can help loosen you up to mingle and spread the holiday cheer, one too many can create a controversy that can destroy your career.
I have been to company parties where the corporate attorney danced on top of a table and unbuckled his pants before someone grabbed him and pulled him down. By early January he was no longer with the company. I’ve seen couples get in fights after they had too much to drink. Inevitably, someone gets just drunk enough to tell the boss what they really think of him/her.
All of the above are examples of what can go wrong when you forget that a company holiday party is a company event, and not really a social occasion.
My father taught me a wonderful trick when mixing business with alcohol. I have one cocktail and then sneak back to the bartender and give him a large tip. I tell him that when I ask for another drink, put it in a cocktail glass with a stirrer but to not add any alcohol. This way while others are continuing to drink, I am remaining sober and continuing to portray my company and my brand in an appropriate manner.
Remember, it is possible to have engaging conversation and an enjoyable event without alcohol. It is also nice to not have to explain what you were doing in the corner with someone’s young assistant.
i had written that i appreciated the tips you have given to all party goers and more so if it is hosted by the office.
the trick that u hav ementioned in the end is very useful to many who may not want to go on and on with drinks.
i have blogrolled you so that readers who visit me can get into ur blog too to get a few management tips!
You don’t have to just survive a company holiday party. As a manager, you can provided your employees with just the right entertainment at your company party with A Little Scene Flip Books. Visit our website for more information, http://www.alittlescene.com. It’s an appropriate feature for any holiday party.
Nice recommendation on the drink trick!