Subject: Detroit News
From: "Merilee:::Kern Communications" <[email-masked]>
To: <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 17 Dec 2007 10:37:03 -0800

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007712150384

Don't be an office-party goofball
Michael H. Hodges / The Detroit News
Consider this vision as you get your mind geared for the office Christmas party: 

Beer in hand, you wheel around and bump into your boss. Aghast, you stumble over a series of inane remarks, grinning like an idiot, until you're able to flee to the safety of the bathroom. 

Experts agree this is not a career-building move. 

But executive career coach John M. McKee says that a little advance planning can turn these dreaded parties into a step on your upward rise. 
"Be memorable," McKee says, who's just published "Career Wisdom: 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Workplace Success." 

"Recognize this may be one of the few times when you can meet and greet people," he says, "who have influence over your career." 

Get ready to party
Arrive early. The host or hostess, who McKee notes may well be a company bigwig, "is usually very anxious, and will be grateful for your presence." 

Position is everything. "Don't end up in the corner," he says. Station yourself to be both visible and approachable. Don't just hunker down with your pals. 

Polish that small talk. "It doesn't hurt to read the newspaper a few days in a row," he says, "so you can open up a general subject everyone can join in." You might even sound smart. 

Choose your guest carefully. "Right or wrongly," McKee says, "we are judged by the company we keep." 

Don't get blotto. "Open bar" does not mean "all you can drink." 

Thank the big guy (or woman). "Most of us avoid approaching the boss," McKee says, "but you should at least thank them for having the party."