My company’s holiday party is coming up. Frankly, I’d rather not go. Do I really need to attend? And if so, is there anything special I need to know before I get there?

ANSWER:

If your firm hasn’t canceled the party due to financial woes, you’re one of the lucky ones. And forgive me if I’m wrong, but I imagine you’d like to ensure you’re around to get invited to next year’s event too.

First and foremost, know that this sort of gathering provides a rare opportunity to make an impression on the people who matter. So, making multiple runs to the open bar is probably not the best course of action. You don’t need to abstain entirely (this is a party, after all), but know your limits and stop well short of them.

Staying chemical-free will help you avoid 90 percent of those holiday party self-inflicted career wounds. But just to be safe, follow these cues:

• Show up And that’s whether you feel like it or not. Be a team player. Arrive on time and act as though you’re genuinely happy to be there.
  
• Stay If you’re a middle manager, be certain to remain long enough to be seen by the higher-ups. If you’re a senior manager, stick around for your team to get some quality time with you. No one, though, needs to remain till the bitter end.
• Be respectful Now is not the time to unload your list of complaints on the muckety-mucks.
• Keep your pick-up lines in check Hitting on a co-worker is ill-advised unless you’ve both previously expressed some mutual attraction.
  
• Say thank you Don’t forget to express your gratitude to the owner for throwing the celebration -- particularly if you work for a small company. This is an easy gesture, but one that many staffers neglect to do.

If all goes according to plan, you’ll leave the party with your dignity, you’ll leave behind a good impression for the higher-ups, and you’ll be able to look forward to a headache-free morning.

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