Ask The Expert
Q What is appropriate behavior during company holiday parties?
Expert: Gail Shih
A Here are ten office holiday party survival tips to keep your career on the upwardly mobile trajectory.
Tip 1: To Go or Not To Go. That is the question. And the answer is "Go!" Your absence could be interpreted as a lack of caring about being a team player. It will be noticed and noted.
Tip 2: Dress To The Nines. You still need to work with everyone you see at the party so you don't want them to see too much. Remember you are not going to a night club or a beach party. You want to look dressed-up, but always appropriate and elegant. Leave the bare midriff top, jogging suit, or flashing tie at home! Don't be a casualty in your casual attire. If you are dressed to the nines, you"ll end up on Cloud Nine!
Tip 3: A Little Dab Will Do Ya. You just bought that new bottle of perfume or aftershave. You want to smell appealing, but avoid overpowering the guests. A grand entrance is fine but you want them to see you in all your splendor, not smell you.
Tip 4: Bar Fly. While drinks will be flowing at most parties, you will want to maintain composure and be in control of what you say and do at all times. It's still a function hosted by your company"s management and as such you will want to keep your feelings about your boss under that warm cashmere wrap. So practice moderation with the martinis and vodka tonics.
Tip 5: Practice Your Moves. Remember that scene in Seinfeld where Elaine starts dancing? You don't want to be the talk of the office the following week. Ask your BFF (best friend forever) to take stock of how you really look on that dance floor. For fun, click on this link to see Elaine's dance. You will want to avoid looking like her.
Tip 6: Elevator Pitch. Now's the time to practice that elevator pitch in case you run into the CEO or other executive, who doesn't know what you do. You want to introduce yourself, but ask him or her about their family. Don't limit your conversation to work, work, work. Everyone, even the CEO, likes to talk about themselves.
Tip 7: Tasteful Banter. The food is tasty. Why shouldn't the banter be as well? The office party is no place for idle gossip or flirting. And neither is the office, to be truthful.
Tip 8: Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah? Be sensitive to different religious beliefs. Be respectful of everyone"s beliefs. And during conversation, don't assume that the person seated next to you shares yours.
Tip 9: Leave Them Wanting More. Knowing when to gracefully exit is also key. Don't be the last one staggering out the door. Be sure to thank the host of the party and say your proper good-byes, wishing everyone a Happy Holiday!
Tip 10: Don't Drink and Drive. If you"ve been drinking, take a cab home. You can always arrange to pick up your car the next day. Don't save on cab fare. Save a life; it could very well be your own!
Gail Shih, a human resources executive in Northern California, has had the privilege of shaping technology, media, and web publishing companies" human resources strategies and programs and integrating them into overall corporate goals and objectives for distinguished companies such as ARM, Knight Ridder, Paramount Communications, and Viacom. She has also led the creation of human resources departments at start-ups including TELE-TV and Liquid Thinking, where she established programs and policies in the areas of employment, compensation, benefits, diversity, training, and employee relations.
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