Ah, the holidays, time for gathering with family, friends and the inimitable office party, where careers can be lost or launched, depending on who is there and how you approach it.
There’s what I call party intelligence – to make the most of what can be a cocktail of office politics. Before you put on that LBD or sharp suit – remember that it is work, not a date night. A picture of a pash in the hall could end your career or meteoric rise. Here’s a few simple rules to keep in mind.
Rule 1: Do not sleep with the boss or the person who sweeps the floors. Either could be disastrous. When I had my first job, back in the dark ages before mobile phones, I worked at a department store. The buyer for my division was in her 30’s, had a great job, was married and living in an inner city suburb. She attended our store Christmas party which was held at a local club, had several drinks and acted on her desires, which ended up with her and another staff member being found out in the carpark with less clothing on than they had arrived in.
She lost her job, her marriage, and the respect of the management for consorting with a staff member. He was disciplined and left soon after.
Whoever is in the senior position will be the one who wears the consequences, whether you’re a man or woman.
Rule 2: Alcohol. A glass of booze and then a glass of water to keep hydrated and minimise the oops, honey I drank too much and crashed the car, told off the boss, got in a fight, agreed to sign over the house because a fellow staff member blackmailed me… We had a fellow in our office who couldn’t hold his booze, every year he would have a couple of drinks and become emotional, over friendly, really loud – at one party he hugged the CEO, telling him how much he valued his friendship in a head-turning spectacle in front of corporate guests and other staff, about 200 people. That was the last year he drank, he nearly ended his career and could never remember what had happened. If one drink is too many, take responsibility and say, “No thanks”. Let them wonder why, there’s no need to explain. Are you having an alcohol-free month, allergic, religious reasons, on medication – none of their business.
Rule 3: Have fun and make friends. This is an opportunity for the people you work with to see what a fun, cool and groovy person you are. Leave the criticism at home, wear a smile and ask questions, spread a few compliments around and take a few smiling selfies for the company Facebook page. Always say hi to the managers above you and the CEO, unless they are all in a huddle – wait until it breaks.
If you’re tempted to relax the rules a bit, pause for a moment and remember, everyone’s a cinematographer these days. Party smart and Happy Holidays!