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Office Party Etiquette
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We would like to make our reader aware
of proper behavoir at parties.
As a business partner you will often participate in
parties.
These may be staged by by your business or by a customer
or supplier.
Be aware of the rules:
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Even though the music
is playing, food and alcohol is being served, and people are laughing – the
office party is a business function.
Keeping this in mind before your every action can
only lead to successful behavior. |
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Remember that a lot
of women are now in business. No matter what type of business, the
women in attendance could well be the boss, manager supervisor,
or CEO. |
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Office parties are usually
mandatory. Thus, you cannot avoid them. That doesn't mean
you have to be there from beginning to end, unless it is held during
the workday.
Arrive on time, mingle, speak to the boss, eat a few hor d'ouevres, thank
the host, make a graceful exit. |
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If the party is not
actually at the office, make sure you have accurate directions, so
as not to arrive late. |
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Upon arrival, don't
head straight to the bar or food table.
You are at the party to socialize with your co-workers,
boss, and to make new connections.
Circulate the room before you make your plate or get
a drink |
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When being introduced
to someone, make sure you look the person in the eye, and greet them
with a firm but not knuckle crushing handshake. |
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Speaking of handshakes-
always keep the right hand clean and free to shake hands.
Balance your food, drink, and napkin in your left
hand to prevent having to switch items from hand to hand. This may
take some practice, but it can be done. |
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If you have clients
that are attending the party, remember they are your responsibility.
You should stay close by, make sure they have plenty
to eat and drink, and introduce them to the most important people. |
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Make sure you chat with
your co-workers and tell them how great it was to work with them
all year.
Remember to thank those that worked with you on projects throughout the
year. |
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Eat and drink in moderation.
It is better to go back for seconds than to put the entire buffet
table on your plate.
Keep the alcohol to the barest minimum. This is the
worst place ever to get drunk.
This action usually leads to the undoing of many.
If you do plan to drink, it is a good idea to eat a little before
you arrive to reduce the effects of alcohol. |
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If the party is being
held away from the office determine what is the proper attire before
you and your companion arrive.
If the party is formal, wear formal dress. Women should
wear conservative party dresses.
Leave the revealing and bright colored dresses for
strictly social affairs and not the office party. |
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Avoid salty, greasy,
or sweet foods.
These tend to make you thirsty, giving you an excuse for having an alcoholic
beverage. Instead, eat foods that are rich in starch and protein. These
stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream. |
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If spouses of employees are
invited, make sure they are recognized and treated as real people
and not as an appendage.
Include them in your conversations and talk to them
about their own interests. |
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