The office Christmas party is a potential minefield for career-limiting mistakes, according to the executive training consultancy The Aziz Corporation.
While office parties present a great opportunity to build a deep rapport with bosses, colleagues and clients, it is the place where promising careers can nose dive spectacularly,” said Professor Khalid Aziz, Chairman of The Aziz Corporation.
“You have to ask what messages you are putting out about yourself and whether these will undermine your business persona. Schmoozing is good but smooching and other inappropriate behaviour is for another place and time entirely.
“We have received reports of some executives whose antics at the office party have been so embarrassing that they felt they were not able to continue in their current employment. Take the case of the dictatorial boss who came dressed to the Christmas fancy dress party as Hitler – she left 6 months later.”
TOP TEN TIPS ON WHAT TO DO AT THE CHRISTMAS OFFICE PARTY – supplied by The Aziz Corporation’s consultants whose expertise includes executive dress, image, networking and influencing:
- Dress to look good – not to pull! “Be a sparkling, snazzy version of the office you and don’t be fooled into thinking you can wear whatever you want,” says style consultant Debbie Gray. “Festive glittering clothes are great, low cut tops and micro skirts are not. It is more important to wear something that flatters than to make a statement.”
- Boogie-friendly clothes –is your outfit fit for purpose?Be wary of strapless tops or skin tight skirts and trousers.
- Don’t overpower your colleagues with your perfume and after-shave
Too much scent may give out inappropriate“available” signals
- Be bothered to dress up. To make an effort is to show respect.
- Be open, build rapport, find common ground but don’t reveal intimate personal details. “Demonstrate a fresh fun side of you but ensure this is something you will be happy to have shared when sober,” said influencing coach Alison Curtis
- Drink in moderation. Know your limit and drink within it
- Many relationships start in the office but discretion is required. The spotlight of the office party is not the place to kickstart a new relationship
- Be wary of flirting with the boss. If promotion comes your way, colleagues may suspect the worst!
- Avoid talking shop. This is not the time to continue the office day
- Be happy - It’s party time –so smile- even if through gritted teeth!
