The party

If you have ever watched the Party, the cult of the ’60 with Peter Sellers, you are well aware that the same party you look forward you would never organise not even in the worst of your nightmares. A professional networker can’t avoid this dilemma and fully aware that a party a year is in his/her job description.

Faithful to my professional code, on Friday I organised my annual party at my place. It was just for colleagues and collaborators. I tried with the board members and am not ready for a big gathering to my extended network. I’m waiting for my wedding for the latter one.

Thi time the board ignored my invitation while i was snobbed by the senior management. Unexpectedly, a hord of kids invaded my place. Result: instead of a nice conversation and good wine with mature colleagues that would have reforced our releatinships, I found my self sorrounded by noisy kids drinking beer and cheap liquors. They even mocked me when I encouraged them using glasses more frequently.

If a network is successful when it is selective, selectivity is vital in parties. Another case when democracy fails.

Even economically Imade a bad investment. Spent a lot for food and drinks and I had to through away the spare bottles of cheap wine my guests kindly offered. Young people pretend ignoreing that cheap wine is … just for them.

My recommandation of the week is simple: If you really need to organise a Christmas party for the office – there must be a real need because it’s such a painful experience! – just go for the old time from seated-down dinner for the senior colleagues and collaborators. you will have an solid conversation with likemind adults. you go to bed early and live out a supply of good wine for hte rest of the week!