Page 24 - Nuestro Magazine Dec 2017

24 ETIQUETTIC CORNER
How To Navigate The Office Holiday Party
Sharon Schweitzer
It’s that time of year again. The infamous
office holiday party is here. Be sure to
attend, as skipping out sends the wrong
message to the powers that be. Keep
in mind that your organization planned
this event to celebrate the year’s ac-
complishments and to thank the employ-
ees. Be careful: this isn’t just any ordinary
party. What happens here could deter-
mine whether or not you get that promo-
tion and even set the course for the rest
of your time with this company.
The following tips will help you impress
your colleagues and have them talking
about you the next day - for the right
reasons.
RSVP
Be sure to respond to an invitation with
48 hours, regardless of whether it comes
via Evite, email, telephone or traditional
methods. As much as you may not wish to
attend the office holiday party, you must.
Attendance is practically mandatory –
failing to go to the annual holiday party
sends a negative message. Executives
and upper management will take note.
Don’t Automatically Assume You Can
Bring an Extra Guest
Be sure to read the invitation carefully.
Know the company policy on guests, or
whether the event is ‘Employees Only’ or
has a ‘Plus One.’ Discreetly check ahead
www.nuestromagazine.com dates are welcome. It can vary by com- water. If you choose to drink, do so re-
of time to determine whether spouses or
pany.
Dress to Impress
The holiday party is one of your few
chances to see colleagues outside of
the office. Dress up--but do so the right
way. The dress code will be printed on
Nuestro Magazine • Nov/Dec/Jan 2018
the invitation, HR can share wardrobe
tips, and so can a trusted colleague.
The holiday event, in whatever form it
takes, is an extension of the work day,
so it’s all business. Choose modest attire
that maintains the professional reputa-
tion you’ve built. Avoid short skirts, tight
clothes, or inappropriate ugly Christmas
sweaters.
Don’t Binge at the Buffet
Eat a small amount of protein before the
party to curb your appetite. You were
not invited because the hosts thought
you were hungry! Be considerate of oth-
ers and remember your etiquette basics –
keep hands clean and avoid a mouth full
of hors d’oeuvres. Avoid walking around
with a full plate, do not double dip or
eat over the chafing dish, and properly
discard toothpicks, napkins, and plates.
Network, Network, Network
This is your chance to converse with
senior leaders of the organization with
whom you may not typically get much
face time. Avoid clinging to your cubby
buddy. Instead, meet customers, and new
faces from other departments. If you work
for a large organization and don’t often
see the CEO, introduce yourself, state
the department you work in, and shake
their hand (keep your beverage in your
left hand so your right is dry, and free
to shake). These interactions might open
doors for future growth opportunities.
Thank the hosts, party planners and your
superiors when departing. Avoid gos-
sip or talking shop (this is a party, af-
ter all!). Skip controversial conversation
topics (religion, politics, sex) and keep
the mood positive and light. Travel, pets,
movies, and books are conversation
starters. At all costs, avoid appearing
bored and ready to dash for the door.
Don’t be Monday’s Gossip
This is probably the most common mistake
that executives make during the holiday
party. Alcohol and a loose tongue may
add up to a regretful Monday morning
equation. Consider tea, club soda or
sponsibly.
Don’t Clap for Yourself
The CEO may offer a toast during the
evening. When the toast is for a col-
league, raise your glass at the conclu-
sion of the toast, when the host raises