Everybody loves to take a break especially after weeks of trying to finish a project and usually, office parties follow. When you were still in college, parties meant making out, getting crazy, and just having fun like a wild mustang on the loose. However, there’s a big difference when the whole setup becomes sponsored by your own company. There had been many instances of employees that were sacked because they misbehaved during these company events. The thing is, company parties include your boss and coworkers and that means that as much as they are social events, they also happen to be business functions that require good behavior. So here are some tips that can someday help you save your career and your job.
1.Attend
Most people would just not bother attending the office party for fear of making mistakes that their boss can see. However, that’s the first mistake that you’ll make if you put down an invitation to go to a party. Attending an office party shows that you’re not only meant for the grindstone, because it only means that you are a well-rounded person who knows how to relax. If you have other things to do, staying just long enough is a sign of respect and interest. Say goodbye in discreet fashion and don’t forget to acknowledge the presence of everyone by saying “hello”.
2.Socialize
Another mistake that most people make is by staying close to their usual groups. The fact is, office parties are meant to introduce one person to another. If you happen to spot the big bosses, socialize with them by introducing yourself and start a short yet lively conversation. The conversation shouldn’t be too formal or too relaxed either and more importantly, never say anything negative to anyone.
3.Be Available
This means that you need to look approachable for other people. Office parties aren’t about making out with the supervisor or laughing about the other department’s boss. It means socializing and networking without looking like a clown. The idea is to show yourself as a man who can talk about everything under the sun regardless of who you are talking to. Also you’ll most likely be shaking hands all the time during the evening so don’t forget to smile and be polite.
4.Be Careful of what you’re going to Say
Don’t be deluded with the idea that everyone’s having a great time and that saying everything what you want to say does not matter. The fact is, there are watchful eyes that you don’t see and since it is a party, most people tend to shed off their inhibitions and they also forget to shut their mouth. I’ve seen how my friend shot himself on the foot when he blatantly admitted that he wanted to screw another colleague. Unfortunately, he’s about to get married and his open-mouthed delirium made its way to his fiancée’s ears. Well the result was everything but pleasant and it was all because my friend thought with his groin instead of his brain.
5.Learn to Moderate
Like what I’ve said before, office parties do not involve your buddies and that’s the main reason you need to take everything in moderation. The food might be free but it does not mean that you should gorge like it’s going to be your execution day tomorrow. Concerning alcohol, it’s easy to get drunk but because of that, it’s also easy to look like a clown and become the instant office laughing-stock as well.
The point is attending office parties do not only mean having fun but more importantly protecting your professional reputation as well. I’m not telling you to be a robot and make the whole thing difficult. Minor blunders here and there will not hurt but you should never forget to know your limitations.
