7 THINGS NOT TO DO AT THE OFFICE PARTY

It's been a great year, you've worked really hard, and your
company has brought back the holiday party to reward the team for a job well
done. According to one survey, 9 out of 10 employers plan to hold a holiday bash this year. Before you pop the champagne, be mindful that
your behavior at the holiday bash will impact your professional reputation come
Monday morning and beyond. Here are seven things not to do at the holiday
office party in 2012:

1.        
BE SLOPPY DRUNK.

In some offices, the booze flows
freely but remember: The holiday party is one of the few occasions where you'll
be in a social gathering with upper management. Nurse a drink through the
evening, or stick to non-alcoholic drinks. Everyone has a story about the
co-worker who got sloshed at the office party and the behavior is never
remembered fondly.



2.         TELL DIRTY JOKES.

The holiday party is a chance to show off your dazzling personality and
intelligence to the powers that be. While the conversation need not focus on
work topics, talking politics, religion, and sex is a quick way to alienate someone.
If you want to tell a joke, keep it clean.



3.         STEER CLEAR OF PEOPLE YOU
DON'T KNOW.

This may be the only chance you get all year to actually have a conversation
with the C-Suite professionals. Take the opportunity. Introduce yourself. This
is not the time to complain, ask for a raise or go into a lengthy analysis of
what the market risks are. Just say a few words about what you do for the
company, and stay upbeat. Making a positive impression could help you later on.

4.         DRESS
PROVOCATIVELY.

You don't want to be remembered for the sexy outfit you wore. Dressing too
casually or suggestively can make you look unprofessional. Stay away from
casual Friday clothes and avoid jeans.



5.     FLIRT OUTRAGEOUSLY.

This isn't the time to pursue your secret crush. Stay clear of the co-worker
who is drunk; you don't want to put yourself at risk with someone who has less
self-control.



6.  LEAVE WITHOUT THANKING THE
HOST.

If you're in a colleague's home, come with a small gift like a bottle of wine.
Make sure to thank the host of the party before you leave.



7.         BE THE LAST ONE TO LEAVE.

Don't overstay your welcome. You don't want to be the last to leave the office
party. (You also don't want to be the first to arrive and stand around making
awkward conversation; arrive 10 or 15 minutes after the party starts.) Stay for
the public remarks by the CEO; but leave 30 minutes before the end of the party
or whenever you see a critical mass of people exiting.



Is your company or friend of yours having a holiday party this year? What
advice would you want your co-workers to take?