Well the Christmas Holiday season has arrived in North America and outdoors is covered with beautiful, fresh, white snow.  As they say, it will be a "White Christmas"!

As some of you may know, I have just returned from the annual General Managers Conference for Leading Hotels of the World.  This year it was held in Tokyo, Japan.  It was my very first time in Japan, and I honestly can't wait to return.  I had the honour and pleasure to stay at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.  As I recently explained in a radio interview this was by far some of the best hotel service I have ever experienced in my life.  I also found the most amazing ramen noodle house close to our hotel.  It was so good, I went three times and still dream of that wonderful bowl of soup.  I hope to have a video blog of my time there posted soon.  Overall the Japanese people were so kind and gracious during our entire stay.  I thank Leading Hotels of the World and The Imperial Hotel for their gracious hospitality and sincerely look forward to returning one day soon.

As we look towards 2011, it can be a difficult time of year for those of us who are seeking employment.  As the economy begins to slowly turn around, however, the demand for private service jobs is beginning to respond in kind.  This recession has done one main thing and that is to weed out the unskilled.  As the demand for new hires begins to grow, employers are seeking skilled professionals for residences and hotels. The true winners of this recession are the well trained and patient individuals.

I unfortunately do not have a crystal ball to tell everyone what to expect with 2011 around the corner, but I believe that the economy will continue to grow slowly and the demand for well-trained, intelligent household employees will similarly grow.

For those of you celebrating this Christmas season I send you my very best wishes.  For those of you who do not celebrate Christmas, I send you my very best wishes for the holiday you celebrate and to all a peaceful New Year filled with Health, Happiness and Prosperity.

Thank you for your continued support.

Fact: 85% of the reason for success in business is people skills, leaving only 15% riding on your business degree and years of experience. Using the office holiday party to showcase your people skills could be a better career move than that brilliant business plan you submitted last month.

Go

Although disguised as a social event, the office party is as much part of your job responsibilities as attending any other meeting called by your boss. Make no mistake: this is business, not pleasure. In the absence of a well-established and unavoidable previous engagement, consider attendance as mandatory.

Dress appropriately

This is a business event; keep the business in your choice of what to wear. Dress at the upper end of what you consider business formal.  Easier for men who can wear a blue suit and either a conservative or festive tie. Women, keep it smart-not sexy.  No cleavage means no gossip behind your back or leering looks at work. Review with your spouse or guest what they will be wearing, also. It will reflect on YOU if your wife wears a revealing dress, or your husband's idea of dressing up is wearing clean jeans. 

There is no holiday magic behind the following key social skills that successful people use year 'round, not just at the office party: