Party no nos

TOP TEN COMPANY HOLIDAY PARTY OFFENSES

(careerbuilder.com)


Assuming you aren't required to go. Unless you've got an unbelievably good reason, you need to attend. Not attending speaks volumes about your attitude toward the company.
Dressing inappropriately. Don't dress as if you were going to a club or trolling for dates. Even if you're hitting the town later, you still need to dress properly for the party. Maybe you're known for being very stylish in your private life, but when it comes to a work function, it's better to blend in as opposed to making a statement that might get misinterpreted.
Attending on an empty stomach. Holiday events typically involve drinks and appetizers before the meal. But, appetizers often don't make it all the way through the crowd. It's better to get some food in your stomach prior to the event so your first drink doesn't go straight to your head.
Pitching ideas to upper management. Some folks view the company party as a way to schmooze the higher-ups or tell them their grand plans to save the company. While managers do use these events to meet and spend time with employees they don't regularly come in contact with, they aren't looking to strategize on work.
Getting drunk! Seventy percent of companies are serving alcohol at their holiday parties this year, a 15 percent drop from last year, according to a recent survey. There's a reason for this! Bottom line: Don't drink excessively at the holiday party. You'll end up saying or doing something you'll regret.
Hooking up! Co-workers secretly harboring feelings for each other often think it's OK to act on those feeling at the holiday event. Not so. It's important to act like you do at work. You're not paid to get cozy on the job, and the holiday party is an extension of your job.
Bringing a 'crazy' date. If your spouse or date is known as the 'life of the party,' there's a chance he or she will make the night unforgettable -- and not in a good way. Some people think, 'It shouldn't matter how they act, as long as I act OK,' But you are guilty by association.
Being a 'Scrooge.' Don't be a Debbie Downer and walk around with a scowl on your face. If you aren't excited to be there, keep your thoughts to yourself. These events are meant to give employees an opportunity to connect on a personal level so they can relate to one another at work. You don't have to overdo it, but you have to at least do it.
Not using your best table manners. It seems obvious, but for many, manners go out the door after business hours -- especially with a drink in hand. No swearing, chew with your mouth closed and remember to say "please," "thank you" and "excuse me."
"Dirty dancing" or executing "athletic displays." Even though krumping, bumping and grinding are all the rage, these moves have no place on the corporate dance floor. Moreover, back flips, splits, jumps and spins can only lead to disaster.