Keller @ Large: Office Holiday Party Do's & Don'ts

BOSTON (CBS) - It is that time of year, office holiday party season, and if this is your first go-round or you simply need a refresher course on the do's and don'ts of this unique form of social gathering, you've come to the right place.

First and foremost, manage your expectations.

If you are expecting the office party to be the time of your life, let me ask you something: is your office a place of over-the-top fun and excitement the other 364 days of the year?

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No, it isn't?

Then what makes you think a little tinsel and an open bar are going to engineer a spectacular transformation?

Speaking of the bar, this is the most dangerous spot at any office party.

Unless you work at a barber shop, this is simply not the right place to let your hair down.

And while it is never a good idea to use alcohol as a way to overcome your natural inhibitions, it is an especially bad idea in your corporate or professional context, which, if it generally runs smoothly, probably does so because of everyone's inhibitions, not in spite of them.

OK, you may be thinking, but that cute girl or guy in sales has been smiling at me in the hallway all year, and I'm sure the company party is the right place to bring things to a boil.

Please think again.

Office relationships are difficult anyway, and the office party, with all your co-workers and bosses looking on, is the least suitable place to pursue them.

Did you ever consider he or she may have been smiling at you because you have a mustard stain on your collar?

And one last warning – this is the age of the smartphone, and any slip-ups you make will likely be going viral.

So, with all that said, go have a great time at the office party – if you can.

You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.