Above John Shaffer and Daliah Wachs at a KDWN Holiday Party.

The work holiday party is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Free food, free drink and for 4-6 hours you can be in the same room as your boss without any risk of being told “you’re fired”. But…..many of us make mistakes, HUGE mistakes, while tipsy and letting our guard down could be the biggest career buster ever. Plus, there are some missed opportunities the office Holiday party offers to make your overall work life better. So let’s get right down to it.

Don’t

1. Flirt with the boss

Your superior in any office setting should be the last one you try to cuddle up to. Good management knows there is ALWAYS someone watching and, these days, recording on their phone, so they do not want to be seen in an uncomfortable situation, appearing to be flirting with you. You can complement them, sure, but hands off!

2. Drink too much

This gets us all into trouble. Yes the alcohol is usually free and a flow’n but this will lead to your downfall. Your guard is down, you become flirty, you blurt out secrets, those that the whole team knows but would be never caught dead saying……and sometimes the clothes come off on the dance floor. Please drink in moderation.

3. Drive drunk

Never, never, never plan on driving that night if you plan to drink. Car Service, Uber, Taxi, designated drivers are a must.

4. Let anyone tag you on Facebook

The next morning will be full of regret as it is, no need to cement it in infamy.

5. Skip on the whole soiree

Holiday season is swarming with good parties. And chances are there are two other parties calling your name that same night. Make sure you hit the office party FIRST. You can get too distracted or drunk at the other parties such that you never make it across town, safely. Again, don’t drive if you plan to drink.

6. Take the mic This is where I take a fall (as you can see above). A microphone is sitting up on the stage, waiting, just waiting for someone to grab it and spout out some one liners. I fear getting close to it until the head boss makes opening remarks. Then I feel the need to interrupt him and “take over from here”. Let your boss have the mic. He/She’s the head honcho, let them have their glory. They’re paying for the party…… 7. Gossip Never, never use this opportunity to gossip. That’s what the staff lounge is for. It’s a positive night. Don’t bring negativity. 8. Tell off the office bully You may feel protected with all your work peeps surrounding you but one day he/she will get you alone and ….payback. Instead wish them some holiday cheer…..may bring out the good in the jerk. 9. Sleep with your coworker Everyone is watching you so your hopes of secretly hooking up is already circulating social media. If you want to begin a relationship that’s fine, but hoping its on the down low will never happen. People at parties pretend to be distracted, but someone is always watching. 10. Discuss work Never, never, never discuss work at the office Holiday party. And please don’t ask for a raise!!! Will never happen. Even if your boss is drunk, he will forget about it by the New Year. 11. Don’t be quiet Being anti-social is not the way to go either. Mix, mingle and look like you’re having a good time. Even if you’re not. If you have to leave early due to boredom, blame it on diarrhea. This may be the only party you EVER get invited to. Do’s 1. Thank the boss and the planning committee Even though they may roll their eyes at you as you compliment them (since anyone volunteering for a planning committee in the first place probably isn’t your best bud at work), they secretly enjoy the compliment. 2. Get up and sing (if you can sing) This is the only time your boss and team will see your other talents. Sans beer bonging, show off your talents….dance moves, pipes, even fashion sense…. if you’re good. 3. Let the boss know you’re happy at work Don’t kiss up, but as you thank him, let him know you love your job. This will be a take home message that can go a long way. 4. Tip the bartender This is a no brainer.

5. Have fun!! It’s the holidays! Let’s celebrate!! Truly the most wonderful time of the year!!!

John Shaffer, Daliah Wachs, and Tom Humm

Daliah Wachs, MD, FAAFP is a nationally syndicated radio personality on GCN Network, KDWN, and iHeart and is a Board Certified Family Physician