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Holiday Party Etiquette
11/8/2009

Thankfully, I get numerous questions about work-related holiday parties, even in this economy. Your ability to enhance your professional image at these events is magnified, now more than ever, because the number of invitations received may be reduced. The following tips will help you successfully negotiate these career-building, or career-killing, events.

Attend, if possible:
A work-related holiday party should be viewed is a chance to let "you shine through". Consequently, my first suggestion is that you attend. This is an opportunity to show that you understand professional behavior, even in a seemingly social situation. This is a highly valued, and valuable, skill.

Research the Location and the Guests:
Once you've accepted the invitation do some research. Start by finding out some facts about the location. Was the club once a private home? Of whom? If it is held in a modern hotel, what events have been held there? What can you learn about the neighborhood it is in?  Anything you learn can be used when conversing with someone you don't know well. "This is a great location for a party," you might say. "I was here for the chamber business show and it was so well run."

Try to find out who will be attending and see if you can identify some of their interests. "Hello Ms. Kaline, I'm Robert Shutt. It's so nice to meet you," you could say. "I understand you're active in Rotary. I'm so impressed with their commitment to the community. That must be very rewarding."

Have a Mission:
Try to identify the people you absolutely want to talk to. Think beyond the host/hostess and/or boss. Who might you want to work with, or for, in the future? What department do you do a lot of work with? Have a list in mind before you arrive.

Dress For Success, Not Sex:
It's better to overdress, then to under dress. Attire can be somewhat less professional than at work, but this is not the time to show off your physical attributes. Remember, flesh is not a fabric. Also, avoid too much cologne, perfume, or bling.

Be Fashionably Late:
I suggest arriving just after the start time. "Fashionably late" is what my mother called it. Be part of the second wave of arrivals. This is when people are still meeting and greeting; and not yet bored with this process.

Show Your Appreciation:
When you see the boss and/or your host or hostess, thank them for sponsoring/hosting the event. Do this fairly early if possible. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to get together and then engage in a bit of small talk. Do not monopolize their time though. Just establish contact and leave a pleasant impression - focusing on your social skills - not your business success.

Work the Room:
Be sure to mingle. Say hello and chat with people you know. Approach and mingle with some you've not met, especially senior managers. Avoid hanging with your friends or co-workers too much.

If customers or vendors are there be sure to mingle with them too. Remember they sit at the top of the business hierarchy.

If networking is not your thing, I suggest approaching groups of three or more. Blend - don't barge - in. If they are conversing, make eye contact with one or two people, and add to it when you can. If they grow silent when you approach, introduce yourself. "Good evening, I don't think we've met before. I'm Robert Shutt."

Keep your right hand free, and dry. You never know when you'll need to shake hands with someone who could change your life forever.

Introduce and Re-Introduce Yourself:
Introduce yourself often, even to those who may know you. "Mr. Gibson, I'm Robert Shutt. We worked together on the Trumbell Street Project. It's good to see you again."

Think Small:
Engage in small talk for a shorts amount of time (6-8 minutes), then politely excuse yourself and move to another group. Also, take small portions of food. It's better to go back to the food table, than to take too much. Avoid over consuming - anything - especially alcohol.

Drink Moderately:
Your goal is to show what is great about you, and alcohol does not enhance this mission. Have one or two drinks, selecting one that you can slowly sip. Drink some water too. Avoid, at all costs, being the "drunk" everyone remembers for years to come. If you want to party with your peers do it elsewhere, on your own time and with your own booze.

Behave Everywhere:
Senior management could be observing you all the times and everywhere where you go. This includes the parking lot, coat check, and restrooms. Let your behavior reflect this knowledge. This means that you should not flirt, hook-up, make copies of your rear end, play practical jokes, and/or belittle anyone (or the organization).

Dance:
If you enjoy dancing and there is a dance floor, feel free to do so. However, remember it's not a club or a rave. Don't dance too much or too suggestively. The message to send is "I know how to behave professionally, even while dancing."

Complete Your Mission, Then Leave:
After you make the right contacts, build the necessary relations, attend the signature events (a meal, a speech from the boss, gift exchange, etc) and thank the appropriate people - leave. Don't be the last to depart. Also don't be the first. Again, be part of the second wave.

Say Thank You:
On your way out be sure to thank your boss again, for the "enjoyable evening". If a committee put together the event, try to thank them as well.

A Holiday Party should be great fun. Relax, laugh, and converse with your peers, subordinates, and superiors. Sample and enjoy good food and drink. Just remember, it is a professional event disguised as a social function. Manners Matter and Courtesy Counts.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!

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