The Office Party: Don’t Check Your Professionalism with Your Coat

Community Manager — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:37:00 GMT

Think the office holiday party is a time to let your hair down and blow off some steam? Think again. It's called an "office" party for a reason: the end-of-the year holiday party is an extension of work and attendees should conduct themselves accordingly.

The first rule of thumb: watch your alcohol consumption. The odds of winding up with a lampshade on your head, or committing other embarrassing lapses in judgment, are greatly decreased if you practice moderation or skip the bar altogether.

Parties generally call for festive attire but leave revealing looks for off-hours. Punch up your regular office apparel with bright colors or party fabrics such as sequins and velvet, but keep covered up.

Likewise, keep party chit chat professional. You don't need to break out power point presentations but you do want to avoid revealing too much personal information or appear to be engaging in flirty banter with your colleagues. Save your witty one-liners for close friends and keep your office colleagues at a warm distance.

Finally, understand that the office party is a chance for you to shine (and we don't mean on the dance floor). Senior level staff are often required to interact with clients or represent the company. Navigating social situations with polish and professionalism will get you noticed for the right reasons.

For more dos and don'ts, Forbes.com has an instructive gallery of pictures: How Not To Behave At The Office Party.

Do you have any office party tips to share? Post your thoughts here or at the Beyond Folders Facebook page.

by Carly Fadako

Beyond Folders : holiday gifts, parties

The Office Party: Don’t Check Your Professionalism with Your Coat