How to Make the Most of Your Company Holiday Party

As I was speaking with my client Sheila, she told me how stressed she was about attending her upcoming company holiday party.

She figured it would be a waste of time and especially wasn’t looking forward to “making small talk”.

During the rest of our chat, I walked her through some tips that not only got her excited about going — but also inspired her to look forward to socializing with a few colleagues who are often hard to connect with at the office.

Many companies are opting for in-person gatherings this year and knowing how to make the most of them puts you on the right path to creating the right connections. They present many opportunities for networking! But you must put yourself out there to find them.

Having meaningful conversations at these events helps you connect on a new level and build rapport with your colleagues. It can lead to promotions, innovative project ideas, and career prospects. And it generally leads to you enjoying yourself and having a better time.

Consider these tips to help you make the most of your company holiday party.

Employ the right attitude

As we talked, I encouraged Sheila to look at the party through a different lens.

Her mind was set on it being an unenjoyable experience. If she approached it this way, then that’s what would’ve happened. What she needed was a mindset shift. By changing her way of thinking and looking at it as an opportunity, she realized the potential of interacting with colleagues she usually didn’t get to socialize with.

Just like anything when you go in with the right attitude then you will find what you are looking for. As said by famous author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar: “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Prepare before you get there

Similar to getting prepped for any networking event, have a plan before you go. Take time to determine a few goals to help you achieve the best possible outcome.

For example, as Sheila noted, is there a specific person you have been trying to connect with at the office but they are usually too tied up? Set a goal to introduce yourself to them! Do a bit of research beforehand and see if you can discover their hot points or triggers or where they went to college. You never know, you could be fellow alumni or have something else in common which could lead to a great conversation.

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.”

Zig Ziglar

Know how to open

Many are anxious about engaging in small talk, Sheila is not the only one. If you’re nervous about it, consider that your boss could be too.

The trick is to get the conversation started on a positive note and continue to ask good questions. Show that you are interested in learning more about others and want to have a discussion with them. The next thing you know, the dialogue will flow.

Of course, there will be some business talk at these parties, but that should not be the only topic as it’s more of a time to unwind and connect with your colleagues on other levels, too. But keep away from questions that elicit only yes or no answers! Use these instead:

• “What has happened recently that gave you a really good laugh?”
• “If you had one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?”
•  “If you could be only one age the remainder of your life, what would that be and why?”

Let’s get back to Sheila who wanted an initial introduction to a colleague. What is the best way to do this? Walk up and say, “Hi, I know we haven’t met before so I wanted to introduce myself, I’m Sheila. I work in the sales department and I’m very impressed with your latest initiatives. I was wondering, how did you choose this line of work?” And then take it from there…

Go with the flow

Are you not keen on just walking up and saying hello? Consider how networking can happen in unexpected ways.

For example, stand in line for food or the bathroom, or position yourself near the bar where everyone will go at some point. Not only do discussions tend to naturally occur here, but it is also usually easier to end it if you need to when it becomes your turn.

Know how to close

Whether it’s going well or not at some point the conversation will have to come to an end. Do not be afraid to bring it to a close! But do it politely while still making a good impression. Here are a few examples you can use:

• “I’ve really enjoyed our conversation! Thanks so much for your time. I’m going to walk around and mingle a bit more.”
• “Would you like another drink? I’m going to head over to the bar for a fresh cocktail.”
• “It’s been great speaking with you, I’m going to excuse myself and grab a few appetizers.”

Speak with someone new

It’s easy to fall into habits and hang around with the same individuals you go to lunch with every day. Breakaway from this!

Take advantage of being in a roomful of people you don’t usually have a chance to speak with. When Sheila and I spoke about the opportunity she would have to connect with her colleague, she saw attending the party garnered more potential than she realized.

“After all, what’s the sense in starting a relationship if you have no interest in maintaining it. It’s like filling up a bathtub and not putting in the plug.”

Steve Sims

Make sure you follow up

Once you have made a connection follow through on any promises made. Did you say you’d introduce them to someone who can offer advice on their project? Then do it! Think of my favorite saying from entrepreneur Steve Sims: “After all, what’s the sense in starting a relationship if you have no interest in maintaining it. It’s like filling up a bathtub and not putting in the plug.”

These tips apply to everyone even if you consider yourself an introvert. If you are properly equipped with the right relationship-building tools there is a lot of potential! You never know what networking opportunities may be waiting for you at your company holiday party.