I was scrolling through my archives, and I came across an oldie but goodie blog post, ‘Don’t be THAT Person’. For quite a few years, I’d publish the same themed article every holiday season, how NOT to ruin the holidays. Why? Cause people don’t seem to listen! I know this because I still get calls from my clients telling the same old story. So, I’ve resurrected it once again, made it a bit more 2020s and I’m passing it along one more time in hopes that less people will fall victim to be the office party’s free entertainment. Enjoy!
Don’t be that guy or that girl!
Feliz Navidad! We are once again mid-swing in company party season. Organizations and leaders spend lots of money and time coordinating fancy events as a gesture of thanks to employees for all their hard work. When the festivities end and first light of the next morning glares, many an employee from different businesses all across the country…well, world, will wake up with the same question, ““Hey did you see that guy or girl last night at the company event?”
Ha. Seriously though, while everyone was perhaps a bit in their cups, there is always that one person that always takes it too far. I’m talking falling over drunk, saying inappropriate things they’ve kept buried deep all year (maybe shoulda stayed there) or being overly provocative – embarrassingly so, to everything from your boss to the potted plants.
Here is one thing I can guarantee that will be worse than their hangover the next morning: his or her boss will definitely remember it and so will the boss’s boss. In fact, they are for sure talking about it, but it is not a funny story at the coffee station; no they are talking to HR or legal on how they are going to handle the situation. Great careers have been ended at company events by someone being that guy or that girl. Take heed!
Y2K Story Time- How to Ruin the Holidays
Picture this, Sicily, 1922…(High five for anyone who gets that reference). Ok, ok, let me get back to the story at hand. In 2000, the company where I worked at the time, had our annual planning session and awards events spanning over three days. This event was hosted by my boss, the Area Vice President, and all of my fellow directors, managers and sales representatives were in attendance. In total, I’d estimate it was 300 employees in total.
It was the beginning of the first night and so far we had made it through the day without any major issues-though it was still early. Later in the evening, after dinner, many of the employees went to the bar in the hotel to continue celebrating and having fun with their peers from across the country. A few of us leaders in the middle were in a room with my boss having a discussion on how the event was progressing and reviewing the next day’s agenda. Low and behold, a fellow manager walked in and said, “One of the employees is throwing up in the middle of the bar.” With confidence I said, “I know it’s not one of my people”.
The (Failed) Warning
I felt confident of this because I had, had a talk with my team prior to this event on how everybody needed to ‘behave’. We discussed dress code, good and bad topics to discuss in a work/social environment and I was adamant that under no circumstance should you be the person that closes the bar down. Since I had just had this conversation about the dos and don’ts, I knew it could not have been one of my people.
Sigh. I have been wrong a lot in my life and that time was no different. My colleague looked at me and said, “Actually it is your employee.” I instructed the intoxicated employee’s supervisor to have one of the other female employees get her safely to her room- immediately.
The Outcome
Now this was not a terminating offense, but it was a “that girl” event. Needless to say she was embarrassed the remainder of the event. I bet she now remembers the advice we gave her regarding corporate events (at least, I hope).
Now this example is not as extreme as those that are out there (or that may be running through your mind right now). Luckily. But keep in mind, these events can not only cost you your reputation, but your job.
Three Simple Company or Business Event Rules to Live By:
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Use the two drink max rule. If, you have a low tolerance then soda is probably what you want.
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Remember no matter your surroundings (a hotel, a restaurant, etc.) you are still at work so don’t be the last one at the bar. If you do, I guarantee you’ve already broken rules one and two.
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Have fun!
Many leaders are doing fewer events and some are eliminating them all together to help avoid the human resource and legal issues that happen so often during these events. I believe that is a costly mistake that can cost companies in morale. Keep doing the events, and focus on educating the teams on the appropriate behavior for the event.
On the employees end, be grateful for this treat and act like it. Company parties are a luxury, not a contractual benefit. Keep your head about you and have respectable fun. Just don’t be that guy, or that girl and DON’T ruin the holiday party. Again, this is WORK! Treat it as you would any other work functions.
Anywho, I’m signing off for the rest of the year. Happy holidays, keep safe and see you in 2022!
Remember you can get my knowledge shared in person! You can book me for your next conference, seminar or workshop. If you want to bring me around everywhere for quick advice, check out my books; they also make great stocking stuffers!
