Live for today...plan for tomorrow...party tonight..!

How to survive the office party:

by Aditha Dissanayake

An employee of an IT company got so drunk at his office Christmas party last year that he answered a call of nature off the balcony onto the customers of a restaurant below. The man, who said he'd consumed 15 bottles of beer, was then hit over the head by a colleague, and had to be taken to hospital.

If you think I made this up, ask Myles Wearring at www.news.com and she will not only vouchsafe how true the incident was but also give more examples of how office Christmas parties often turn out to be unforgettable nightmares that will haunt you in the twelve months ahead, till its time for the next uuuuuugh office party.

But if you are thinking the dangerous combination of alcohol, colleagues, superiors and the end of the year holiday mood could lead to disaster and so, better skip the party this year, you should think again.

For, the first rule to observe according to Sharlene Massie, CEO of About Staffing Ltd, when it comes to the office party is simple. "Show up". You may not realize it but being able to show your superiors how well you fit into the social scene may help you prosper in the year ahead.

So, since you must go, here are a few rules that would help you survive this year's office party.

What to wear?

Men - Check with the ladies (they always know what a man should wear) and the dress standard of the venue. If in doubt, be over dressed, rather than under. Dark trousers, pants or slacks, and a smart shirt would be ideal. And, yes, remember to iron.

Ladies - Experts like Patsy Rowe (author of "Business Etiquette") believe nothing can be as inappropriate as a lot of skin at company Christmas parties. Smart casual is usually the best bet for a function of this sort. Make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes, as there's a good chance the night will wear on for sometime, you'll be on your feet a lot.

What can you talk about... what should you avoid? Remember work is better left at work. Talk about other topics like Cricket, restaurants you have been to, the latest film at MC, what's new in Praveena etc. Avoid subjects like politics and jokes. Weather, as always is the safest bet.

How much to eat and drink

It is Free - By all means, take advantage of the ever-pouring drinks and the plentiful free food... but, remember your own limitations so that you will not need to follow Phyllis Diller who said "What I don't like about office Christmas parties is looking for a job the next day".

Meet and mingle - If you see the HR manager sitting on his own in a dark corner, help him out and go speak to him.

The poor guy has problems fitting in. Not to say all HR managers are like that, but that goes for anyone who might be a little shy, or even new to the company. Kisses, Hugs.. and maybe more - Not at the office party. Be jovial and expressive, but not overtly familiar with colleagues of the opposite sex.

Complaints - Remember, this is supposed to be a fun occasion. Don't grumble about the food, service, venue, company, drinks etc. Pretend you're enjoying yourself.

Finally, having kept your right hand free throughout the party in case the Chairman walks up to you for a brief chat, having eaten yourself into a coma, and having confused your left from the right when the dancing began, however much you might feel " I wish I had not come", don't, just don't say it.

[email protected]

***

Party don'ts

* The blow-off: The biggest error is not going to an office party that is a "must-attend" event. If you do that, you show disrespect for your company, your supervisors and your colleagues. That's a career-killer.

* Forget the boss is watching: Senior managers pay attention to how people handle themselves at corporate events. They might not know your name, but they will remember your face.

* T-shirts and sandals: Inappropriate dress at an office party draws attention, but the wrong kind. The goal is to display professional qualities, not show how funky or daring you are. Avoid clothing that's too tight or revealing; it's a party, but they're still your co-workers.

* The business-talking bore: Some young professionals let ambition drive them. They don't know how to enjoy conversation unless it is about work. They become bores whom bosses avoid.

* Me, me, me: Self-centred young professionals will have trouble working in teams with others and co-workers and bosses pick up on this.

* Who's the boss?: It is amazing, but some young professionals do not introduce themselves to senior managers at a company party. They are afraid of what a boss might think or they don't realise the importance of a face-to-face meeting. They should not be surprised when bosses ignore them when it's time for advancement.

* About my pay: An employee who raises pay or other personal issues at a company party is marked as a person who does not understand what is and is not appropriate at social events. No employer wants that person in charge of others higher up on the corporate ladder.

Drinking to excess at a company party will kill a career instantly.

Don't have more than two alcoholic beverages or better yet, don't drink at all.

- Source - Today