New York Lawyer
December 18, 2003

Q:
At our holiday party some of the lawyers got completely out of hand. Some got very drunk, others were spied in compromising positions with various colleagues, etc. What�s their future fate?

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A:

This seems to vary from firm to firm. There are some places where uninhibited partying spells doom for the future, and others where office parties seem to be viewed as a safe zone where outr� conduct is �forgotten.� Unless you know which kind of firm you�re in � and even if you�re in a firm indulgent when colleagues gulp down too many martinis or act on their amorous impulses -- I�d suggest the following guidelines at office parties:

It�s not really a party. Your annual office event may look like a party but remember, it involves your work colleagues. Think of it as 75% of a party; the remaining 25% is about staying on guard. So have fun but not too much fun. Don�t drink too much booze, don�t act outrageous. In most workplaces your party conduct is noted, perhaps even subconsciously, and can count against you if you�re showing more talent with a lampshade than you do answering interrogatories.

Have some harmless chit-chat ready for higher ups. Be prepared to talk some aimless talk as you mingle with people of different statuses. The weather, prosaically enough, really does the trick. It can lead to more substantive conversation (the guy hurt himself shoveling a mountain of snow, needs to get more exercise; she grew up in an even colder/warmer place and she would love to tell you about her childhood, etc.) and in any event will fill awkward voids as people search frantically for topics.

Build relationships if possible. Don�t be pushy in trying to become best friends with someone who has more power than you, but if you do have a chance to talk, take modest advantage of it and show the person something of your personality. Don�t supply too much personal stuff, but converse enough so that you start to stand out from the crowd.

If you do go over the top, redouble your work efforts thereafter. Let�s say you really tie one on and, well, make a fool of yourself. Thereafter, put in heroic hours and high-profile work efforts so that you counteract a possibly negative image.

Follow these guidelines and you�ll survive the holiday season in fine form.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work