I don’t know the exact percentage, heck I’m not even sure this is something people track, but do yourself a favor and don’t get wasted at your company’s holiday party. Oh yeah, this is a whole topic with an accompanying blog because I’ve seen it happen WAY to often to not warn you, my blog friends. I’ve seen this future human resources trainwreck happen across the organizational chart – horizontal and vertical, boss and intern. Grab some coffee and let’s get seriously funny and honest, eh?
Don’t be THAT person at your company’s holiday party
Personally, I wish some psychologists had done a study on how many people kept their jobs purely because there was no company holiday parties in 2020 and 2021. After 25+ years in corporatelandia, I would be willing to bet the one good thing the pandemic and working from home did for some people is saving them from being fired at the company’s soiree. Unfortunately, I have this sinking feeling that there is a pretty good chance that 2022 can make up for lost time.
So here is my holiday tidbit for ya:
“If you’re attending a company party or a client’s company holiday party, don’t be that person!”
What does that mean? Don’t be that hot drunken mess who’s sure to face the wrath of HR the next day. I promise you, your colleagues’ comments will sound like this, “Did you see that guy last night, wow, he so drunk and then he ………”. YIKES! Career sabotage for one glass of champagne too many.
Six Very Real Reasons I’ve Seen People Get Fired After their Company Holiday Parties
Scouts honor, these are true incidents I’ve personally seen – not those made up on Reddit. Real lives were affected but man oh man, was it something to behold.
- Puked on their boss or in the middle of the party venue. I tell no lies, each time it went EVERYWHERE!
- Got romantic with a married co-worker. Several cringes here – good luck at the summer picnic next year!)
- Got in a fight and beat up their boss. I have no words. Actually, in that moment I also had no words.
- Told the CEO all the things she would change about his leadership style. It’s not the right time or forum Jan, read the room.
- Passed out at the dinner table. My only regret is they didn’t face plant in some pie. What can I say? It’s the inner kid in me, yah know.
- Was the party animal that everybody laughed at, not with, for the night. Oh yeah and took pictures. It was GREAT for us but not so much for him the next day.
My Career Saving Tips on Enjoying Your Company’s Holiday Party – While Keeping Your Job
Follow these two rules and your career is safe from stupid actions that will get you fired at your company holiday party.
- Don’t drink or limit your drink to one or two glasses (be wise and acknowledge your tolerance for alcohol!).
- Know that this is a company meeting no matter the location or reason for the meeting.
I think the last line is truly the most grounding factor, IT IS A COMPANY MEETING and best you don’t forget. Each time I’ve seem someone wreck their career or at least become the butt of jokes in the office for the next year, is tied to alcohol or substance. Let’s be real, most people only do stupid things or make bad decisions after they’ve drank too much.
Guys, this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and enjoy yourself, go ahead and cut a rug (ermmm…do people still say that?). I just want to give a friendly reminder not to lose control and that means you can’t get drunk or even buzzed. Trust me it’s all coming from a loving place; I am after all YOUR executive coach. I want you to get or maintain your leadership role.
Also, if you’re a leader, do yourself a favor and share these tips with your employees. Prevention is better than cure!
See ya here next week. I’ve got something particularly exciting lined up for my final blog post for 2022. Also…
