The office holiday party is a staple at most companies. One looks much
like the next, brimming with revelers, good cheer and seemingly
unlimited booze.
It can also be a career minefield. Most everbody has seen, or has
heard, about thatone guy or gal who has gotten a little too merry and
found themselves seeking new employment when all is not so jolly and
bright.
But holiday parties aren’t the only time of year when bad behavior
fueled by alcohol can ruin a career or a reputation. The same can happen
at corporate events, trade shows, client dinners or awards galas
throughout the year.
If you're looking to keep or advance your career, it's always wise to
steer clear of the open bar. Here are five ways to hold onto your job at
company gatherings.
Loose lips sink careers
Alcohol is notorious for causing us to lose our inhibitions. One drink
too many and you might find yourself telling your boss what you really
think about him. Or you may reveal the long standing crush you've had on
a supervisor.
Others just act in ways that are unprofessional and unbecoming.
Remember that your superiors are watching. The last thing they need is
you causing a scene while representing the company.
Indulge elsewhere
Splurge on a new outfit and really dress up. You'll look and feel good,
which will transfer to how you act at the party or corporate event.
Plan to indulge in extra sweets or by ordering a tasty but non-alcoholic
beverage. Having a drink in hand — even an alcohol free one - puts you
in the party mood and makes it easier to socialize and converse with
others.
Plus, people will be so busy complimenting you on your gorgeous sweater
or amazing shoes all night long, they won't even notice you're not
drinking!
Plan to leave early
Have you ever heard that nothing good happens after midnight? When it
comes to parties that serve alcohol, nothing good happens after the
third drink. In fact, no one will probably notice who remained at the
party after the third drink or who said what.
If you want to leave a positive impression and leave while you're still
having fun, plan to head out after about an hour and a half. That's
enough time to be seen, have a few meaningful conversations and leave
before things start to deteriorate.
Go see a movie or arrange to do something fun with friends so you don't feel like you're missing out on anything.
Have your excuses ready
One fact of life about a party where everyone is drinking is that everyone is also trying to shove a drink in your hand.
Since saying "I don't want to make a fool of myself like you are,"
wouldn't go over well, it's wise to have a few excuses handy.
"I'm driving tonight," "I'm taking medication," or "I have to be up
early with the kids in the morning," all work well and usually elicit
understanding and agreement rather than coercion and persuasion.
Focus on the positives
If you love the holiday music, dancing or food, plan to make the most of the things you really enjoy at the party.
We usually drink out of habit. The alcohol isn't why we enjoy parties —
the people, the conversation and the atmosphere are what we enjoy.
If you're tempted to overindulge at the holiday party, remember how
much better you'll feel not waking up hung over, pretty sure you danced
on a table last night or that you told off the boss.
You'll be sipping your coffee for pure enjoyment rather than to try to
curb the pounding drum in your brain. Silver linings can be found
everywhere!
The office holiday party or other corporate events with a festive
atmosphere shouldn't be what makes or breaks your career — but alcohol
can cause it to be.
Rather than chancing a fall from grace, prepare yourself to go
alcohol-free for the night and still have a great time. You'll be
surprised by how much fun you can have while keeping a firm hold on your
wits.
Annie Grace is the author of “This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol,
Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life.” Learn more at:
thisnakedmind.com. Connect with Annie on Twitter.com and Facebook.com.
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