Every year it happens to me. I agree to go to the office Christmas party. Why? Well, to be honest, simply out of a sense of duty. After all, I’m the boss and it’s important to be seen at these things.
Then the day of the party comes around and I really don’t want to go, and I promise to myself that next year I’m definitely NOT going. There are some convincing reasons why I shouldn’t go – it’s an additional commute only at the weekend; it disrupts family time; since I’m driving, I don’t drink – which means that I see and remember things more clearly than most of the others.
But really these are just excuses, as I attempt to justify my future non-attendance to myself.
Does the attendance of the boss boost morale or put a damper on the enjoyment of others? I don’t know – maybe a bit of the former. But for my staff group the latter seems to be completely irrelevant, which is great!
So, last might I duly went, and had a fairly good time. The food was mediocre, and the behaviour was boisterous. But I’m glad I went, and I did enjoy myself – staying much longer than I had intended at the start of the evening.
I consider myself to be very fortunate to have the staff group that I do. All of the teams mingled freely during the evening, there was much laughter and fun, three people who left us during the year came back for the party, and I didn’t feel like too much of a party-pooper.
It’ll be interesting to hear some of the tales on Monday, although I recognise that I will only hear the edited highlights!
Will I go next year? Almost certainly. Who knows I might even try to forget that i'm the boss, and just have some (sober) fun!
Then the day of the party comes around and I really don’t want to go, and I promise to myself that next year I’m definitely NOT going. There are some convincing reasons why I shouldn’t go – it’s an additional commute only at the weekend; it disrupts family time; since I’m driving, I don’t drink – which means that I see and remember things more clearly than most of the others.
But really these are just excuses, as I attempt to justify my future non-attendance to myself.
Does the attendance of the boss boost morale or put a damper on the enjoyment of others? I don’t know – maybe a bit of the former. But for my staff group the latter seems to be completely irrelevant, which is great!
So, last might I duly went, and had a fairly good time. The food was mediocre, and the behaviour was boisterous. But I’m glad I went, and I did enjoy myself – staying much longer than I had intended at the start of the evening.
I consider myself to be very fortunate to have the staff group that I do. All of the teams mingled freely during the evening, there was much laughter and fun, three people who left us during the year came back for the party, and I didn’t feel like too much of a party-pooper.
It’ll be interesting to hear some of the tales on Monday, although I recognise that I will only hear the edited highlights!
Will I go next year? Almost certainly. Who knows I might even try to forget that i'm the boss, and just have some (sober) fun!
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3 comments:
So how come if you're the boss, the food is mediocre - can't you command better??
Good for you for going. I do think the attendance of the boss can be a slightly double-edged sword for employees, but a bit insulting not to go. Your staff group sound nice.
i'm with tess...you should/could at least command better food and possibly a location a little closer to home so you could have a bit of christmas "cheer" yourself...i was originally going to suggest you cancel the whole thing, but then it sounded like a good time was had by (nearly) all!
here's another vote for the wisdom of Tess. Glad you had a good time! :)
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