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Dear Colleagues,
If you are like me, you'll feel that this year has moved very quickly! Remember when we were children and time seemed to move too slowly? Especially with Christmas approaching?
To help you prepare for the holiday season, read on for holiday office party and regifting tips.
Wishing you all a wonderful and joyous holiday!
President & Founder Etiquette Centre of Minneapolis, LLC
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The Holiday Office Party: Career Builder or Career Derailer?
by Laura A. Barclay
(Reprinted from Minnesota Business Magazine, Nov. 2009)
The holiday office party season is upon us! As you prepare for upcoming office parties, it is crucial to note that while office parties are an opportunity to mix with coworkers in a more relaxed setting, these events are first and foremost business functions. Just as you notice what others at the event are saying and doing, they will be noticing the same of you. A corporate trainer noted, "At our big holiday party, a newly hired employee went up to the company vice president and said, 'I am also a [religion] and I know you are too. How many of us are there in senior management?'" Another example of a career derailer came from a graphic designer of a pharmaceutical consulting company. "For the holiday party "awards" night, my boss asked me to Photoshop the face of one of my young, female coworkers onto a bikini model. I explained that it was highly inappropriate and firmly refused. Undeterred, he used the glue-and-scissors method to do it himself. When he unveiled his homemade award at the party (which featured my coworker's head on the body of a scantily clad photo of a female WWE wrestler), everyone was highly uncomfortable - both for the employee and for everyone else in the room." Office party etiquette is not only about good manners, it is crucial to your career, especially in times when there is much competition in the marketplace for employment. These events are opportunities to either build or derail your career and reputation. Follow these suggestions to shine at your next holiday office party! I Guess I'll Go. First and foremost, attend the office party. It is important to your reputation to be seen and to socialize. Plan in advance if there are specific individuals you would like to meet or thank. Arrive within twenty minutes of the start of the party and stay for at least an hour (less shows disinterest). They Aren't Bringing Them Again! In order to still provide a holiday party for their employees while cutting costs, many companies have begun moving to employee only events. The invitation will specify if you may bring a guest or children. If it is not specified, attend alone or ask. You're Not Wearing That, Are You? If the event is during or at the end of the workday, business attire is appropriate. Formal attire may be noted on the invitation for an evening event. While a festive function, it is still a business event so no ostentatious ties, clothing too low cut or too short, or something you might see at a club. You want to be remembered for your professionalism and refinement. Leaders of the company will notice and the impression remaining can determine if they consider your style appropriate for advancement or client interactions. I'll Drink to That! Avoid drinking more than two alcoholic beverages. It is best to have none to only one. This is a business event and imbibing too greatly increases the risk of inappropriate behavior and language, jeopardizing your career. I'll Have Some of Those, and Those, and...! Double-dipping, hoarding food, asking for doggie bags, or overeating at office parties are considered very tacky and are not appropriate behavior in the corporate arena. Andrea Correale, President of Elegant Affairs, a five-star catering and event planning company in NYC, noted, "At one corporate event, attendees would load platefuls of food from the buffet to share back at their table. Simply serve yourself." He's Such a Bore! Use the office party to your advantage and mingle with those you do not usually have an opportunity to connect or those you do not know, perhaps company leaders or those from another office location. While it can be more comfortable, avoid socializing with only those you know well. Mingling with others helps you build your network. Some employees forget that mingling is not the same as flirting. One company owner shared that "One of my key employees hit on my husband at our Christmas party. Once I saw (and overheard) what was happening...I sent the employee home in a cab with no treats or gifts but a pink slip written on a cocktail napkin." Look to connect on a more personal level, and encourage others to talk and share. Avoid discussing work, politics, religion, or other hot buttons. Remember jokes can be easily misconstrued, and foul language shows a lack of refinement. Gossiping or talking poorly about the company is also a career derailer. You do not want to be gossiping about your boss in the restroom, only to learn they or their spouse are also in there! I Suppose I Ought To Send A Note... Never underestimate the importance of a thank you. Follow-up with leaders and others responsible for the office party with a thank you note. In our hurried world, this will be remembered. And a final bit of advice - taking the flowers and decorations from the table never makes a good impression!
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Office Party Stats:
* 92% of bosses remember employee verbal faux pas at
holiday office parties and of these, 25% said the
comments made a lasting impression (Office Angels)
* 29% of employees regret something they had done at
an office party (OfficeSMART)
* 20% of employees regret drinking too much at a holiday
office party (Monster.com)
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Question: Is It OK To Regift?
Dear Laura,
I have received gifts that I never used and ended up putting these away in my closet. The holidays are here and I am wondering if it ok to give these gifts to others?
Dear Colleague,
Regifting isn't a new concept, it is just that in today's world, we have a term for it. It was actually coined in the 1990s in a Seinfeld episode.
Regift only if:
* you think the person would like it (not just because
you don't want to take the time to shop) * the item is still brand-new in its original box with
the instructions * the gift isn't handmade, or one that the original giver
took great care to select * neither your gift giver nor your recipient will be upset
A 2007 survey by Cynapsus found the following:
* 68% of women and 47% of men regift or think about it
* 42% do so to save money
* 60% say it is ok to regift
* less than 10% said they'd be unhappy to receive a regift
Discretion is key. Rewrap the item and remove the original gift card.
Do You Have a Question You Want Answered?
I love hearing from all my friends and clients who enjoy reading my monthly newsletter. And I'm always looking to answer pressing questions you might have about anything relating to etiquette, protocol, and image. If you have a question, please feel free to call me at (763) 432-9008, (727) 639-7362, or email me at [email protected].
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Upcoming Events
Wine Tasting Wednesday, December 9, 2009
France 7:30p to 9:30p Braemar Golf Course in Edina 6364 John Harris Drive, Edina, MN 55439 $30 per person
Wine TastingTuesday, December 15, 2009 Wine Dinner at Pairings $65 (All Inclusive Pricing) More Details Soon For more information, contact John Glas at: [email protected].
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Insight, the 2010 University of Minnesota annual fashion show, will feature 14 seniors in the Apparel Design program exhibiting their own work. The senior fashion show has a long-standing tradition of showcasing fine fashion and illustrating the skills developed through the program as the seniors near the completion of their degrees. The designs of the students demonstrate not only the hard work of three years of studying, but also a passion unique to each designer. For more information, see: http://fashionshow.design.umn.edu.
Pink Purse Project Breakfast Fundraiser
Saturday, February 27, 2010, 9:00a Mark your calendars for the upcoming Pink Purse Project Breakfast Fundraiser to be held on February 27, 2010.
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About the Etiquette Centre of Minneapolis, LLC
The Etiquette Centre of Minneapolis provides business professionals with solutions to successfully navigate the challenges and nuances of today's business world through training and coaching in business and social etiquette, international protocol, and image.
Contact us to learn more!
Ph: (763) 432-9008, (727) 639-7362
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