The Holiday Party

Deware dangerous times

It’s that time again. Holiday parties are being held everywhere and if you have been to enough of them, you probably have some stories to tell. As an executive, holiday parties are supposed to be about celebrating and taking time to thank people for their many contributions over the past year. Sometimes though, they can be dangerous, resulting in lasting embarrassment or even an unwanted change in the direction of one’s career.

The mix of alcohol and letting down one’s guard to have a little fun is often what leads to a problem. Throw in a smoldering office romance or just the relaxation of norms during a dance and things can quickly go farther than you might have imagined.

I’m not anti-celebration and certainly don’t want to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. It’s just that holiday parties can be like driving after a few drinks. You can wake up the morning after wishing you had made better choices the night before.

Over the years, I’ve observed how CEOs have handled themselves differently during party season and think it’s worth sharing some of their strategies in case you haven’t given the topic much thought. It’s not that the holiday party is the most important thing you need to worry about – that is until, because of not having thought about it, you wish you had. An ounce of prevention and all that. So, here goes.

The Fly By. Rather than risk extended exposure to potentially compromising situations, this CEO kicks things off and then immediately heads off to another cleverly manufactured engagement which absolutely can’t wait. Ideally, the other engagement is business-related. That way, the CEO seems like the dedicated martyr, foregoing the pleasure of the party so that everyone else can enjoy it. By showing up to kick things off, the CEO earns points by thanking everyone for coming, recognizing their hard work over the past year, and assuring people that another great year lies ahead. The CEO then leaves a second-in-command in charge, who also benefits from taking up the role as the event’s MC. The CEO shakes hands with as many people as possible before departing and then is rushed to a waiting limo to make their manufactured appointment on time. “Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!” can be heard as the limo pulls away.

Strictly Business. This CEO steers clear of trouble by keeping the focus on business all night long. In conversation after conversation, the CEO uses the gathering as a way to pump people for information on their latest projects or to talk about ideas they should consider. It ruins the party for attendees because it interrupts their enjoyment and makes them worry that they shouldn’t have had that third drink. People didn’t come prepared and as a result, they leave the party wondering whether they made a bad impression during what may have been their only direct interaction with the CEO all year. On the plus side, the CEO can learn a lot if they are listening; but that’s not the point, is it?

The Tightly Structured Agenda. This approach basically makes the holiday party into another quarterly business review. The agenda is structured from top to bottom, with speeches, awards, holiday-themed presentations about the company’s products, and time for Q&A to make certain there isn’t a moment left for transgressions to occur. Having spent over two hours going through all of this, before the bar is even opened, the CEO then departs to allow people to celebrate. Of course, no one feels much like celebrating by then, so the bar bill is much smaller than the amount that was budgeted. Great! We’re already ahead for next year!

The Non-event. This holiday party is held at the bar in a nearby restaurant, where employees mix in with the general public. People order drinks from the bartender and there is no dancing. Most of the talk is about sports or kids, and the public setting keeps things from getting out of hand. The CEO circulates to make certain people are having a good time, which they clearly are not. After a couple of hours, the departure excuses start to kick in; “Sorry, I just remembered I was supposed to donate a kidney this evening.”

Mr. Unapproachable. It’s a party but you would never know it. Mr. Unapproachable is surrounded by a couple of his lieutenants, and they pretty much keep everyone else away. When someone does reach in to wish the CEO happy holidays, he smiles back, shakes the hand and then turns away again. Message received. Distance will be maintained. If anyone is taking pictures, they won’t be compromising.

Phone It In. “Where’s Bob?” Oh – that’s him on the big screen, calling in via Teams because, after all, he’s a dedicated team player-CEO. Too bad he had to be in London or Dubai or wherever. We haven’t seen that much of him and it would have been nice to finally meet the man in person. Still, it was nice of him to remember that we were having this party and call in even though it’s the middle of the night for him. “Oh, it’s a recording?” Well, at least he cared enough to record it. “Happy New Year to you too, boss”.

The Professional. This is who you want to be. Comes early, stays late, drinks in moderation if at all, gives a thoughtful speech, connects with people, asks how they have been and about their family, thanks them for their work for the year. Comes across as warm and personal but not overly solicitous. Doesn’t need to be the center of attention. Keeps their human resources person close by in case someone needs to be reminded that they shouldn’t be wearing a lampshade. Avoids the dancefloor and talking about business.

It’s surprising that embarrassing posts keep showing up in the news and that people continue to spend the morning after around the water cooler comparing notes to see if others saw what they think they saw. CEOs are always the center of attention, whether intending to be or not. People are especially observant of behaviors that are out of character or potentially humiliating. A little drunkenness or flirting can quickly go from innocent to a big, big deal in no time. If you want to have a happy holiday party this year and next, it’s best to give some thought to the CEO you want to be before you arrive.