Office Christmas Parties Can Be Dangerous

By Linda Franklin  

Tis the season of office Christmas parties.  Don’t have next day regrets because you had a little too much to drink and can’t remember the things you might have done or said.

Yikes, did you tell your boss what you really think of him?  Did you kiss one of your colleagues a little too passionately under the mistletoe?  Or did you climb up on the table and do your version of a go-go dancer?

According to a survey by restaurant chain TGI Friday, more than a quarter of employees feared they would be unable to resist telling their boss exactly what they thought of them. Enjoy the Christmas spirit but, never forget,  that you are always on the radar of the people who count.   

So here’s a list of Dos and Don’ts to ensure that, in the cold light of day, your colleagues will still view you as the smart and gracious woman that you are. In fact, you could actually accumulate some brownie points if you handle yourself in a way that sets you apart from the other gals.

The office party is actually a great opportunity to impress your bosses. Everyone is relaxed, and it’s possible to speak to the most senior people in your company to whom you might not normally have access. 

DON’T

• Corner your boss for hours
• Keep the conversation focused on yourself
• Use the party as an opportunity to discuss colleagues’ failings or racy love lives
• Pair up under the mistletoe while your boss is looking
• Go from prim office worker to raging party animal
• Post pictures on Facebook and Twitter while under the influence

DO

• Keep the conversation interesting
• Ask colleagues about family members
• Steer clear of spreading rumors
• Remember to be discreet
• Drink lots of water – it dilutes the alcohol
• Have a good time

A bit of over-indulgence is not the end of the world, but arrive at work the next day on time and ready to do your job.

 

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality.  Linda Franklin says,”there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system, passion and a dream. All things are possible”. Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.

One In Four Having Office Romance

by Linda Franklin 

In our work dominated society is it any wonder that office affairs are on the rise?   According to one recent survey, one in four office workers gets romantically involved with a colleague at some point in their lives. And, listen to this, one in ten has sex somewhere in the office. But what strikes me is that while it always takes two to tango, it’s almost always the woman who ends up holding the short end of the stick.

The old double standard is alive and well in the workplace and when an office romance ends it’s the man who is able to hold onto his job. The old boys club sticks together.  So, even though it’s an outdated idea, a woman who has had an affair with a colleague is often regarded with more prejudice than the man she has been sleeping with.

Men are better at compartmentalizing their activities between wife and lover.  They can have sex for just for sex sake where women become more emotionally involved.

So, knowing all of the pitfalls that women face when embarking on an office romance, why do so many do it?  In my opinion, it’s not planned.  It starts with an infatuation and then that infatuation turns into something deeper.  And, we can’t forget the power factor.  Power is one of the greatest aphrodisiacs there is for both men and women..  A man or woman who is smart, confident and respected is a definite turn on.

Today, women are holding some pretty powerful positions, so office romances are blossoming with colleagues who are their juniors in both age and position.

Just be careful. and be smart. You’ve heard it before it’s never a good idea to play where your bread is buttered.

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,”there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system, passion and a dream. All things are possible”. Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.