Surviving The Office Bash - Femina

One of the quickest ways to wreck a budding career is to mess up at the office party. Take cues from our guide on what not to do at a workplace bash. By Seema Chowdhry Sharma

So you've bought that new mini for the swank do that your office is having for New Year? And you're going to make sure that the new hunky boss notices you? Hold it right there, girl! Do you want this to be an opportunity to advance your career or are you looking for ways to cripple it? Before you wreck everything you've sweated so hard for, read and memorise these basic rules to survive and thrive at any do.

Bash Boo-Boo #1: Skipping The Do

"Miss a party and miss the opportunity to network? Never!" says Kanika Marwaha, career counsellor and India Representative, University of Warwick. A no-show at an office bash is a career-killer. It indicates to the management that you disrespect your company, your supervisors and your colleagues. So don't make the mistake of passing up the invitation to an office party. Also, when you attend, do spend at least 30 minutes at the party for appearances' sake. "Never stay till you're stoned!" Kanika advises. ''The length of your stay really depends on how comfortable you feel, but don't be the last to leave."

Bash Boo-Boo #2: Bingeing

Yep, you're hungry, but wait till you've paid your courtesies to the bosses before piling your plate up. At office parties, it is a good idea to eat and drink in moderation. Also, instead of heaping your plate at one shot, go back for seconds.

Avoid salty, greasy, or sweet foods. Too much of these snacks tends to make you thirsty, pushing you to consume more (usually alcoholic) beverages. Instead, eat foods that are rich in starch and protein. They stay in the stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol in the bloodstream.

While eating, ensure you keep one hand free. You may have to shake hands with someone and finding a place to put your drink, plate and napkin down in an instant may be tough.

Bash Boo-Boo #3: Getting Drunk

An office do is the worst place to do your Dharmendra-on-the-water-tank imitation. Getting drunk at an office bash leads to the undoing of many. "It is reflective of lack of control and this in your professional sphere translates into 'irresponsible, not committed enough and unreliable'; so, if the bosses are around, keep the drinking to the minimal," Kanika exhorts.

If you do plan to drink, it's a good idea to eat a little before you arrive to reduce the effects of alcohol.A final word of advice: Keep your drink in your left hand, so you don't offer people a cold, wet handshake all evening.

Bash Boo-Boo #4: Not Minding Your Manners

Office dos are not a free-for-all flirting ground. It's best to avoid any inappropriate behaviour like kissing a colleague or hugging him. "But if you really like someone and have been wanting to make a move, flirting with him is okay. Just flirting because it is an office party however, is not a good idea as it can send out a wrong message," says Kanika. Also make sure you don't spend the entire evening talking business or about your various accomplishments. If you stick to office politics, you will earn the label of the office bore. Make sure you keep the conversations upbeat; don't waste time complaining or bragging.

Bash Boo-Boo #5: Dressing Wrong

"Casual Friday dressing works best at office parties. Avoid formals and stay with the chic look," suggests Kanika. Don't pull the nightclub attire out from your closet for the event. Keep in mind that the party is still a business function, so conservative party clothes are a good choice. Give anything too revealing or too flashy a skip; avoid T-shirts and sandals. Inappropriate dress at an office party draws attention, but of the wrong kind. The goal is to display professional qualities, not show how funky or daring you are.

Worm Your Way Out

Kanika Marwaha, career counsellor, gives you the benefit of her experience... When you catch two colleagues making out under the mistletoe at the party... It's Christmas, give them the benefit of the occasion - behave nonchalant, accepting, amused, etc.When you can't remember the senior partner's name at the party... Memory loss can be a great source of embarrassment. You have some alternatives: Introduce her as a senior partner with awe in your tone; avoid a direct reference to names and have a general conversation; if you have forgotten her name mid sentence, eat humble pie and apologise profusely!

When your colleague gets drunk and insists on dancing on the table at the party... When a colleague makes a fool of herself, avoid making snide remarks, nudging or giggling. Either be proactive and talk her out of the misbehaviour or ignore her and get on with regular conversation.

When the boss' secretary hits on you at the party... Avoidance is the best method, especially as in the case of confrontation, it will be your word against his. If the situation is unavoidable, then a frank "Let's talk this through" is the way to go. Last resort: PRAY!