_ What you do is not in fact who you are, and yet throughout the year it can be hard to share insights about yourself with your peers as you complete tasks vital to your organization. This is why an office holiday party is such an excellent opportunity to express more of your personality. Whether you get to discover that you share a love of kayaking with a coworker, or that the leader of your group went to the same university, it's important for everyone to be known for who they are, along with the great results they deliver 'on the job'. If you don't show up (Tip #1) you'll miss several opportunities to make a strong positive impression upon those with whom you work. Missing this opportunity can often translate to additional missed opportunities in the future, because promotions and camaraderie go together, which is why you must go to your holiday party. {Download all six (6) Party Smart Holiday Tips now!}

_Once you've arrive at the party, plan to be beverage savvy (Tip #2) to ensure your image maintains its luster from the moment to you arrive to the moment you say goodnight. Demonstrating self-control and self-awareness invites those who are paying attention, and someone is paying attention, to trust your judgment in other areas. As you mix and mingle with other party-goers, be an ally, not just a guest (Tip #3); make an effort to learn about others and discover what matters to them to find out how you can help. After all, you'll see one another again at the office, so take time to get beyond their job description and learn what they want to achieve.

_
Offering an authentic level of interest in others is a powerful way to make every conversation engaging. While you're meeting people and having great conversation it can be tough to capture everyone's name, which is why it's important to use a person's name at least three times in the first few minutes (Tip #4). It always feels good to be remembered and it reflects positively on you when you can quickly recall a name as you step into the elevator on Monday. You can't force rapport, but you can build it over time and using someone's name is a great place to start. Whether you arrive with a guest or simply meet someone who is unattended by the person who brought them, it's critical to be a considerate host (Tip #5) at all times.

_
As a member of the organization, showing care for people and concern for the office, as if it were your home tells people you take ownership for the things in which you're involved, and expresses a magnanimous quality. As you move about the party and make your way to and from conversations, it's important to feel confident. This is made easier by dressing in a way that is matched to the environment, the guests, and the personal goals you have in mind. This means that expressing your personality should empower you, not undermine you (Tip #6). Adding color, texture, and interesting patterns are all great ways to express yourself in a mature and appropriate manner, without making the mistake of appearing too casual, or too provocative in your appearance.

Making the most of an exciting holiday gathering is an ideal way to boost your image and make a few allies along the way. Get all the details! Download your copy of ImageCube's Party Smart Holiday Tips!

Sola Adelowo
Clarity. Confidence. Growth.