Office Party Don'ts

If you’ve got an office party to attend – I’ll tell you what NOT to do while you’re there...

If you can’t wait to let it all hang out at that holiday office party – consider this first. Colleagues and higher ups may not be as forgiving as friends when it comes to social faux pas. Being the life of the party COULD come back to haunt you professionally – even if YOU’RE the boss. Here are a few of the most common mistakes:

• Complaining about the party or your company – even if the food, music or venue is bad - or your company is cheap – avoid being tagged as the unappreciative employee. Save the critique until you home.

• Comments about how much more likeable someone is at the party than at work – especially if it’s the boss. It may seem funny at the time – but it probably won’t once you’re back in the office. A compliment or a thank you will go a lot farther.

And then there’s booze. According to Marie McIntyre, author of “Secrets to Winning at Office Politics,” most holiday party nightmares have a single cause – too much alcohol. Regardless of your position, it’s an invitation to damage your reputation and maybe even your career. Limit yourself to two drinks at the party – any you’ll thank me in the morning.