By Jeff Westover
Few events within the workplace evoke a more emotional response than the annual office party. It might be a casual affair with light decorations at the office or an elaborate night out while dressed to the nines. Like it or not, impressions, both good and bad, are made at these events.
Legends rise and fall in many organizations at annual holiday parties. Deals may be cut, contacts are made and relationships can turn on behaviors demonstrated- or not demonstrated- while in a social setting. Whether looked upon with merriment or disdain, the fact remains that holiday celebrations in the workplace are an opportunity that savvy job opportunists should anticipate.
- What These Functions Really Are -
The casual nature of office parties causes some to forget the professional relationships they are trying to build. Some mistakenly take the light-hearted atmosphere and free booze as an invitation to "let your hair down". For the middle manager seeking an upper level position that would require impeccable social graces, "letting your hair down" would not be the wisest of career moves.
And yet to others the annual party is a schmooze-fest. They try so hard to make good impressions that they achieve just the opposite. The employee seen aggressively working a room, laughing loudly and making the rounds to all the executives is usually viewed with apprehension by both co-workers and superiors.
The realities of these functions requires a careful balance of thinking on your feet and not trying to be all business at the same time. Few are really good at it. Those that are rarely seem to be the ones ill-at-ease at these events. For some of the more socially inept (most of us), these are treacherous waters indeed. For those seeking to build a network of contacts to help in a current job situation or a future job search, it is certainly no time for timidity.
- Tips For The Socially Inept -
Back in the 1950's, Ford introduced a car that is legendary in American culture. The Edsel was not a bad car- in fact, it featured many innovations that would later become standard in all cars. But the car became a dismal failure for the simple reason that Ford had failed to do its homework. The Ford design geeks created the product and rushed it to market. They did not look ahead of time to see what impressions the buying public would have if they brought forth such a product.
The first rule of networking- especially in a social situation- is to do your homework and develop a strategy. Who you are and what you have to offer should not be set aside by a prospective employer or boss because you failed to plan in this regard.
The unique culture of a company will define the rules to live by. If you are a first-year employee attending a company social function for the first time, a well thought out strategy will help quickly establish a comfort zone. Know whom you want to meet or get to know better. Consider contact with individuals that play central roles to your job duties and career advancement.
The public nature of these events makes it easy to feel like you are under a microscope. Prepare ahead of time to lessen anxieties about how you look and act. If you are concerned about making mistakes with handling food (which fork?) take a little time to research it. Libraries, bookstores and even online resources can help with the basics.
Be on time and walk with purpose. The social function is every bit as important to control as any other aspect of your job. First impressions are made in under five seconds. For many, those impressions are made without the exchange of verbal greetings. How you carry yourself in a social situation should be consistent with the most comfortable job function you perform.
- Knowing What To Say -
The nature of work-related social functions requires exploration into topics that are otherwise unconventional within the workplace. Be sure to keep your comments in tune with that. The office party is no place to pitch an idea or to sell a product. Perceptions at these events are heightened and what you might consider passion for your work, company or product simply translates to a personal judgement that **you** are pushy.
The motherly adage that God gave you two ears and one mouth and that they should be used in that proportion could never be more true. Be deliberate in keeping your commentary on topic with those with whom you converse. As opportunities present themselves to make new contacts ask questions that get them talking. It is human nature for people to want to talk about themselves and many are flattered at the opportunity. What you learn in these conversations can be more important than what you do not tell them about yourself.
If you find the conversation becoming emotional or too work-related suggest a time when you can later discuss it in a traditional business setting. Avoid topics of controversy such as politics, religion, dieting, health, money or gossip. Keep your purpose in mind as conversations unfold and stay true to it. If a conversation is not serving your purposes, it may be best to find a graceful exit.
Be careful with those that do not recognize the hazards of inappropriate behavior at business social functions. Avoid any appearance of flirting or conversation that would suggest sexual innuendo. Your good plans could be for naught if you are associated with someone that does not exhibit appropriate behavior.
- Its Not Over Yet -
As you make contacts be careful to take mental notes of commitments you make. Follow through is very important even in the casual atmosphere of a company party. The label of "all talk and no action" is difficult to shed.
If you are able, it may be prudent to take notes shortly after an event to help you remember important details such as names and job titles. The new contacts you make may not be ones that you anticipated in advance. It would be an embarrassment to forget the name of a person you just met when attending another social function months down the road.
In a job market as dynamic as today's, networking remains the better tool in finding the best jobs that never get advertised. Taking a holiday office party seriously in that regard does not mean you cannot enjoy the event. But you will enjoy it much more if it pays dividends down the road through a contact you made or an impression you left.
-- Jeff Westover is an Internet Content Developer based in Salt Lake City.
He has 15 years of executive level experience in personnel and project
management. Jeff writes for
myjobsearch.com, publishers of the largest independent directory of online
career resources.
