Fa la la, la la la, la la la ... IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A FESTIVE HOLIDAY BUSINESS PARTY?

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Tis the season to be jolly, right? Right! And why not? You have worked hard all year and now the work holiday party circuit is already here. While it is perfectly reasonable to want and expect to have a jolly time at these events, remember you are not attending a work party solely to have a good time. These events can be great career enhancing opportunities or can have your boss rethinking why he hired you in the first place, and prevent you from being considered for other positions in the future.  

ATTEND THE EVENT. Yes, if it is your office party, you must attend.  Be on time. Stay at least an hour and if you bring a guest, do not abandon them.  Not only is that not particularly nice; people will notice and it will reflect poorly on you. So introduce your guest, include them in conversations, and if you do need to go off on your own to schmooze for a bit, circle-back often.

THANK THE HOST. Expressing thanks and appreciation to the host of the event is the proper thing to do. These contiune to be difficult economic times for most companies and a company holiday party is not a “given.”  Be grateful.

TALK TO THE VIPs. Whether the party is your company party or a broader industry event, take the opportunity to talk to the VIPs in the room – the folks you would not typically talk with at other times.  Just remember to have something interesting to say and don’t monopolize their time.

DON’T TALK SHOP. Do you ever notice how in DC it seems that all people can talk about is work – where they work and what they do? Make a better impression by conversing about something more fun and interesting than work – a book (unless it is a trashy romance novel or a self-help book), a play you just saw, a trip you just took.  Still stuck for ideas - scan the paper for interesting articles. Most etiquette books recommend steering clear of sensitive topics like politics and religion. But in D.C. how can you not talk about politics at some point? Just remember to be civilized and gracious in your discussions and don’t approach every conversation like a debate you must win.  No one will enjoy talking to you.

BE FESTIVE BUT NOT TOO JOLLY… DON’T OVER INDULGE IN THE ALCOHOL. While you certainly need to look like you are enjoying yourself, do not be the one everyone talks about at next year’s holiday party and the months in between.  Know your limits and eat something before the event.  

DON’T OVEREAT AT THE PARTY. Remember you are not attending these cocktail events to fill your stomach. Do not make a bee-line to the buffet when you arrive, do not pile your plate high with shrimp cocktail, and don’t stalk the servers passing food in the room.

What is the worst thing you have seen at a work party? What is the worst thing you have done?  Don't forget these parties can be fun - so don't be a Scrooge!  Cheers!