There’s so many reasons to celebrate this festive season, especially with the New Year approaching near, your office is bound to have a little gathering to get everyone to mingle. Here’s a few things to remember to mix and mingle, with your career in tact.
1. Be Polite
Everyone, and in most cases, your office nemesis might actually put aside all sense of competitiveness to finally get to know you as a person, and not a colleague. So, whatever the case is, just smile and engage in some chit chat. You never know what you’ll gain from being friends with someone outside the workplace.
2. Read The Invitation
Some office party organizers will go all out and send everyone an invitation. Whether it’s a card or a simple email blast, remember to read the details carefully and remember to read the details, especially when there’s a dress code involved. You don’t want to be dressed in your corporate suit when it’s an All-White Party.
3. Don’t Hog the Open Bar
While it may be exciting to know that they company is allowing the employees to let lose and drink during a work function, just keep in mind that you’re at the party to mingle. You have spent a long time building a professional reputation in the company and the last thing you want is to jeopardize all that handwork and respect you’ve gained. Sip a glass of wine or two during the entire event. If you’re thirsty, grab a soft drink.
4. Keep Your Secrets to Yourself
Just because you’ve had this profound crush on the new guy in accounting and it’s a casual office party, it doesn’t mean you should confess your feelings. When alcohol is involved in the party, doing this could only end in disaster. What’s worse, you’ll only end up feeling vulnerable and exposed if things don’t go as planned. Keep in mind that when you’re back in the office the next week, things will go back to normal as they were.
5. Prepare Conversation Ideas
If you’re not that great with activities that involve small talk, think about five non-sensitive topics that you can converse naturally about. Opt out topics like politics, religion, sex, but most importantly, leave out the work talk. If things get a little too deep for you, excuse yourself for more drinks or the need to use the ladies room. Move around to another group and mingle.
6. Watch Your Manners
A few courteous manners that your parents taught you when you were a kid will certainly come in handy. Stand up when you’re being introduced to someone new if you’re sitting, and start with a firm handshake. Eat or hold your drink with your left hand so your right hand is free so you can introduce yourself to whoever you meet.
7. Exit with Grace
Once you feel like it’s time for you to head home or you plan to party else where, walk to the head of the company, the organizers, and the big people you’ve met to thank them for a lovely evening. Whether or not it was a great party, be thankful and gracious to everyone who worked hard to bring everyone together.
