Attending Her Company Party

By Sharalyn Hartwell
Relationship Expert

It’s that time of year again: Time for the company holiday party. It’s bad enough that you have to dress up and schmooze all night at your own party (at least there’s an open bar, that’s some consolation), but now she wants you to attend hers too.

After-hours work functions (especially when it’s not even your work), can be a little daunting to those newly venturing into the corporate realm. And conversely, the nuances of the company holiday party are old-hat to the corporate journeyman. Pretty much all the same rules/tips apply to any corporate function, but this time there’s just a little twist: It’s her company party. That means there’s a little more to it than guys might think.

what you need to know and do
Dress appropriately for the occasion
Be sure to check what the dress code is for her company party. Luckily for work holiday parties, the dress code is typically pretty clear: formal, cocktail, etc. Don’t worry if your wardrobe isn’t too extensive. Deriving different looks from your basic dark suit can easily be done with your tie, cuff links, shirt color, etc. For more style tips, review AM’s Rule Refresher: Dress For the Occasion.

Brush up on her industry
Even though the corporate party is supposed to be fun away from work, there will inevitably be work-related conversations. Piece of cake when it’s your party and your industry. However, this time it’s not. Be prepared to contribute to the conversation by doing a little research on her industry before the evening out.

Go easy on the alcohol
Yes, there is a very good possibility there will be an open bar; however, this is not a green light to demonstrate to everyone just how well you hold your liquor (or don’t). It may be tempting to entertain yourself with drink after drink, but hold strong. Despite the jovial atmosphere, the bigwigs will be watching -- evaluating even -- for inappropriate behavior. Your actions will reflect on your girl so act accordingly. And if she starts to get a little out of control, she’ll thank you later if you help her keep it under wraps.

Participate
A good deterrent for relying on alcoholic entertainment: participate. Make an effort to talk to the people at your table, dance, show your great sense of humor, and so on. Just don’t be that guy -- the boyfriend sitting alone at the table or the one she has to beg to join her on the dance floor. (Again, this is something people watch, particularly her office girlfriends. It will be important to her.)

Be assertive
The most important moment and introduction all evening is when you meet her boss. You have to be assertive. Look him in the eye, smile warmly and firmly shake his hand. Don’t stand back and be aloof in the conversation. Join in (i.e., participate. Ring a bell?) When her boss asks about you and your profession, confidently explain how you spend your time. And if your girl happens to complain a great deal about her boss and his inane ways of running the office, don't let that show in your dealings with him. Just because she opens up to you at home doesn't mean she wants her boss to know the truth.

Be attentive
Most of the suggestions so far have been pretty standard or just a good review, but this will be the baffling one to you. How her office girlfriends rate you will largely determine the success of the party in her eyes. (Yes, it is kind of junior high and ridiculous, but it is the nature of girl world.) She wants to show you off and make all her office girlfriends jealous because she has such a great guy. Just play the part exceedingly well that night (be a gentleman personified by helping with her coat, pulling out her chair, getting her drinks, etc.) and dial it up a notch by making an effort to remember the names of her coworkers (basically, be your charming self). All of this equates to a big gushy session over coffee on Monday morning in which you will star as the main topic of conversation. This is, of course, her goal (again, it may be dumb, but this is just how it works).

Know when to leave
This one is simple. Don’t be the last one to leave the party. You’ll be able to sense the appropriate time. Usually a little while after dinner (after getting a little dancing in), the crowd will start to thin. Follow suit. However, when you leave, be sure to give the appropriate thank-yous and goodbyes to her boss and coworkers.

her company customs
Though the company party (hers or yours) will inevitably have its less-than-exciting moments, it is an important part of the corporate schmoozing game. It provides a chance to make an impression outside of the office. Keeping these things in mind will ensure you’re the hit of her company party.


source: askmen.com