A sales woman brought her dog to her manager’s holiday party being held at his home. The dog proceeded to do his business on the dining room rug! A young man got drunk at his company party, cursed out his boss and was fired on the spot.
People do and say all sorts of inappropriate things at holiday parties. “Your behaviour always matters,” according to business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of the numerous books, including Greet! Eat! Tweet! “It doesn’t mean it’s time to let loose just because you are out of the office.”
Pachter suggests that you view the holiday party as you would any other business event, and provides 10 tips for success:
- Attend. You may not want to go, but attendance at the company holiday party isn’t optional. Your absence will be noticed, and most likely, noted by your boss and other higher ups.
- Dress appropriately. It is a party, but your attire needs to be suitable for a business event, not a nightclub.
- Prepare your significant other. Many times significant others are included. Let them know about appropriate dress and topics of conversation. His or her behaviour will reflect on you.
- Bring a hostess gift. If the party is held at someone’s home, a small gift is appropriate. Examples include cocktail napkins, a box of chocolates or a small candy dish.
- Plan conversation ahead of time. “One always speaks badly when one has nothing to say.” (Voltaire) Don’t just talk business. Be up-to-date on current events and happenings in your community. Read the newspaper, your online news sites, newsmagazines, company publications, and your professional journals.
- Schmooze. Talk to people you know and don’t know. Don’t spend your time tweeting or texting. The person you meet at the party may turn out to be the person who interviews you for your next job. Keep the conversation upbeat. Complaining about the company or the economy is a downer.
- No flirting. This is not the time to hit on the boss’s spouse.
- Stay sober! It’s easy to do something outrageous when you have had too much to drink. Set a limit for yourself before you go to the party. It is much easier to limit your intake that way. Or, order a drink you don’t like and sip it slowly all night.
- Say “goodbye” and “thank you” to the host or party organizers. You will want to send a thank-you note, also.
- Don’t post negative opinions/photos about the party on your social media sites. Someone’s unbecoming behaviour should not be discussed or shown on Facebook.
Barbara Pachter, has appeared on American television, and been featured in major publications such as TIME Magazine, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, providing suggestions on professional development and business etiquette.
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