Top ten office party blunders

Skip the party

Thinking of not attending? Think twice. Your presence is mandatory if you expect to attain or maintain visibility within your organization. If office parties are your idea of a root canal, approach it as a task that you must succeed in completing, and make it a worthwhile investment of your time.

Forget to wear a smile and make a positive impression

This is the time to make those around you feel comfortable and enjoy getting to know you. Appear approachable in your body language, with good posture, eye contact and a warm smile. Appear relaxed even if you have to fake it, as no one wants to spend time with someone ill-at-ease or nervous. This is the time to find out what you have in common with coworkers.

Drag along un-invited

guests, i.e. your kids

Get a babysitter! Odds are great that your colleagues do not share in your delight for your children’s company. It has become less common to have family members at parties due to budget cuts. Bring your spouse or partner if it is clear that is the expectation. Never make assumptions.

Make assumptions

Are you certain of this person’s position or alliances within the company? Probably not, so skip the gossip and negative comments of any kind. Prepare by reviewing a company directory in order to know people’s names and be ready for introductions

Wear your “Cup Runneth

Over” cleavage

Despite encouragement from the executive suite that the office holiday party is a great time to relax and have fun, odds are that does not mean that you should wear the clothes you are the most relaxed in or have the most fun in. Imagine how unsettling it is to see extra skin on the boss or cubicle mate. It’s an image not quickly forgotten when you are requesting additional budget increases at your next quarterly revenue meeting.

Get drunk and tell your

boss how you feel

Cocktails make for loose lips! Watch your intake to insure your mind moves faster than your mouth. Abstinence for this party is a wise and risk free plan. Anxiety is directly related to increased alcohol intake so if you must imbibe, just take a few sips, or water down your drink so it lasts a lot longer. As friendly as your boss is at the office party, this is not the time to ask for a raise, mention a friend who is looking for a job, or offer your opinion about the lousy coffee.

Limit your conversation to

“Shop Talk”

The manager of your department is probably not hoping for an update on your project at this moment. If you like, you can keep the conversation work-related, but not specific to the current work you are doing. Some favorite openings for the occasions: “What keeps you busy outside of work?” or “Tell me about your holiday plans.” People enjoy talking about themselves, especially when they perceive a genuine interest.

Mingle only with your best

office cronies

It is tempting to remain in your comfort zone, hanging with the people you know best. Instead, your company party may be the only time you have all year to chat with the CEO. The office party is an opportunity to get to know new people and let others get to know you. Invest the effort and introduce yourself to people you don’t know.

Leave manners to the

etiquette experts

If the invitation requires a RSVP, promptly respond. If the office party is being hosted at a home, bring a host/hostess gift and even if the party is in a grand ballroom, thank your hosts or boss before you leave. If the boss is accompanied by his or her spouse do not wait to be “properly introduced.” Treat the service people as you would members of your family with graciousness and kindness. And don’t be the last to leave a party.

Assume people will forget

your blunder

So, you stepped in it. You insisted that children in private schools gain a far better education. You expressed your disgust with those that purchase foreign cars rather than American made (and she drives a BMW). Don’t hesitate to make amends. Apologize. Let your boss or teammate know what happened before they hear it through the grapevine. The mistake might not matter as much as how you handle it.

Debra Fine’s book, “The Fine Art of Small Talk,” published by Hyperion, is available at www.bookpr.com.