Guess I’m going to need surgery to repair a torn ligament in my hand. Whatever. That’s 2018. Last time I checked, it’s still 2017. It’s holiday season, and that means it’s party time. And yes, I do practice what I preach, especially when it comes to getting out and having a good time.
It’s sad that all the sexual harassment hoopla has put such a damper on company parties. There’s no better way to bring coworkers together than breaking bread and sharing a cocktail or three. It’s a rare occasion to see your peers for what they are: human beings who laugh and cry, just like you do.
Of course, I don’t have to deal with any of that nonsense anymore, but many of you do, so here’s a tip: Don’t let all the #MeToo hysteria get to you. Don’t let it change who you are. If you want to let loose and goof off with those you work with, as long as they’re along for the ride, go for it. Just don’t go too far or do anything stupid.
Then again, I can remember all sorts of crazy antics back in the day, but I have to admit, much of it is a bit fuzzy.
My CEO’s wife and I once watched her husband dance around my living room at 2AM, all by himself. That same day, I had an employee pass out drunk even before the party got started. And I really don’t recall how many people ended up in the swimming pool when it was all over.
Then there was the strange case of the over-affectionate veep’s wife. After she’d had a few, she used to go around kissing all the guys. We’re talking full on the lips. I mean, the girl really got into it. I don’t think anyone ever complained, either.
As a marketing and sales guy who spent a third of his life on airplanes, I can tell you that there is a very good reason for the mantra, “What goes on the road, stays on the road.” The world has enough rich lawyers. Besides, nobody would believe half of the shit that went down.
And I’ve known lots of executives who ended up marrying their administrative assistants. I mean, how else are workaholics supposed to meet their future spouses, in bars? Remember, this was before eHarmony and Tinder.
Good times.
Those experiences and countless others are what made work, well, fun. They enriched my life and the lives of my coworkers. They drew us together as teammates way better than any team-building exercise could. And when times were hard, we could look each other in the eye and know we had each other’s backs.
The relationships we build when we get to chill out and let our guards down are especially important in a hyper-competitive world where everyone’s expected to be on 24×7. The holidays should bring out the human side of work. Don’t let the actions of a handful of screwed up a-holes take that away from you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas, or whatever holiday you’re into, and a healthy and happy New Year. See y’all in 2018.
Image credit Kate Arkless Gray via Flickr