There must be times in which you question how to behave in business settings; what to wear, what to say etc. It takes a long time to become completely comfortable conducting business with clients and colleagues. Then December comes along and we are expected to share greetings through holiday cards, gift buying, luncheons and cocktail parties.
Here are 5 tips to ease some holiday season stress:
1. Gift Giving in the Office - Typically, gifts are given “down.” In other words, senior people give to their subordinates or the individuals who report directly to them. If you choose to give a gift to your supervisor keep it simple; a “token” gift, perhaps holiday cookies or candy. It is not necessary to exchange gifts with coworkers but if you are invited to someone’s home for a holiday party bring a gift such as a box of chocolates , a bottle of wine or a holiday plant.
2. Client Gift Giving and Holiday Cards – Choose your gifts and cards carefully and select those which reflect organization’s style and taste. If at all possible address your cards by hand. A time consuming task but it adds a rare personal touch. Use holiday stamps and jot a short personalized note with a blue fountain pen.
3. Respecting Cultural and Religious Differences – Wish everyone season’s greetings. If you are unsure of a person’s religious traditions it is appropriate to simply say “Happy Holidays.” If you know a colleague celebrates Hanukkah, both “Happy Holidays” and “Happy Hanukkah” are proper holiday greetings. Choose gifts for international cohorts carefully. Gift etiquette varies from culture to culture. For example, the gift of a clock to a Chinese client is inappropriate as it is considered bad luck and the way in which a gift for a Japanese client is wrapped is as important as the gift itself.
4. Holiday Parties – While it is not necessary to attend every party to which you are invited, don’t skip the ones you should attend. In general, when your boss or a senior person invites you to a social occasion, attend, if only for a brief time. Senior management often assesses conduct during social occasions to determine who is suitable for career advancement. Use the opportunity to network with your co-workers. If the gathering is after work, and the invitation does not indicate otherwise, wear your business attire.
If you host a party send invitations to your co-worker’s home. This avoids the confusion that comes with verbal invitations, like what time it begins, the address etc. Invite your guests with their spouse or partner if your party is on the weekend; weekends are for families. Make your guests feel comfortable by introducing them to others. Avoid talking only about business in order for everyone to participate in the conversation.
5. Maintaining Professionalism – Some find it a challenge to maintain professionalism at business parties. The lines are blurred. Yes, it is a party. Liquor is flowing and inhibitions are lowered. But, make no mistake; it is a business function. You are expected to act like a professional. Eat something before you drink. Once you begin to feel the effects of alcohol you already have had too much. Don’t have anymore. Stick to soft drinks if you have a hard time determining what your limit is,.
