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The Office Party

'tis the season.

Yes, you must watch what you wear. Yes, please make an appearance. Yes, walk in with your team if you can to show team spirit. Yes, please walk around the party and avoid just hiding in a corner with the people you know. You will certainly bring your business cards to hand out to the new business acquaintances you'll make and schedule time to meet them in the new year. This is a most wonderful networking opportunity. And yes, leave before it gets messy.

That said---

Yes, you will avoid being the talk of the party the day after. That means you'll save your signature dance moves for your friends and family party later that night or that weekend. Yes, you will demur dancing closely with folks at work. Yes, you'll avoid the holiday party hook-up---can we say "awkward" the day after? Yes, you will eat politely and avoid standing by the fruit/cheese/pigs in a blanket platter.

In other words, yes, they're all watching---your boss, boss's boss, colleagues and it does affect promotions, end of year reviews etc. It might seem funny at the time to lip sync and do the entire Lady Gaga song as if you're in the video, however, you'll find the rue of it coming up inopportunely over the year ahead frustrating. So make this a business meeting--'cause it is one.

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