Holiday Parties: Make it a Moment Not a Misstep

As we step into the season of holiday parties and year-end gatherings, it’s a good reminder that these events are more than just food, drink, and small talk. In today’s world — where many people work remote, communicate through screens, and rarely get real face time with colleagues — these moments matter more than ever.

You may only be in the same room with your team, your peers, and your leaders a handful of times a year. That means how you show up is critical. And it reflects on your leadership, your professionalism, and your personal brand — whether you intend it to or not.

This doesn’t mean being stiff or scripted. It means being mindful and intentional.Walk into the room with presence. Put the phone away. Make eye contact. Be curious. Move beyond your comfort zone and talk to people outside your usual circle. These informal settings reveal more about who you are than any meeting agenda ever will.

And even though it’s social, it’s still work. Remote and hybrid environments have created distance, silos, disconnection, and an opportunity for social skills to get rusty. Holiday events are your chance to close that gap and to brush off the dust. You can rebuild relationships, re-establish trust, and remind people who you are as a teammate and a leader.

However… be mindful. Nothing derails credibility or damages a reputation faster than forgetting where you are or who’s watching. Holiday work parties are not a free pass for bad behavior. You want to be remembered for your presence, your energy, and how you made people feel — not for a misstep you wish you could take back.

Your personal brand shows up way before you do and lasts long after you have left the party. Make sure it is a positive reflection of who you are 365 days of the year.

As you head into this season, enjoy it. Show up as the best version of yourself. And use these moments — these rare, in-person opportunities — to connect, influence, and set yourself and others up for an even better New Year.

That’s how you show up ON Point.