I've seen more careers hit the skids during the holiday times than any other time of the year. Here's why. Employees, (particularly younger employees), mistakenly believe that it's ok to let your guard down and have fun during the holiday festivities. I'm not saying that it's not ok to have some fun. However, I would suggest you save your heavy partying for the gathering that you will be having with friends later on in the season.
Here are some tips to ensure that you are able to return to the office with the same status that you arrived with.
- Limit your drinking-One, maybe two drinks at the most. I know, it's free booze and who in this economy couldn't use a free drink? Anything more and you may not be fully in control of your faculties. If you are still thirsty after hitting your limit, switch over to a club soda.
- Keep your dance moves in check-Dancing erotically to Beyonce's, "Single Ladies" may get lots of laughs, but think of how you'll be perceived the next day when you are the talk of the office. It's difficult to be seen as someone who has high potential if you are forever remembered as the person who took over the dance floor.
- Leave the cleavage at home-I love holiday dresses. So sexy and sparkly. Makes a gal want to dance the night away and in some cases, do crazy things. If you want to buy a sexy dress for the holidays, then be sure you have a jacket you can put over it for the office party. This is not the time nor the place to be mistaken for one of Santa's cute little elves.
- Don't drag your spouse if they don't want to go-Not everyone feels comfortable in a social setting where they don't know many people. If your spouse doesn't want to attend, give them permission to take a pass. You'll be glad you did.
- Don't be the last to leave-The party may be great, but know when it's time to go. Never be the last one to leave or you will be known as the guy or gal who closed the party down.
Anyone willing to share lessons they've learned from holiday gatherings that didn't go as planned?
