YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

DARREN BUCHANAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, HAYS QUEENSLAND

No, it will not affect your personal brand, however, Christmas parties are a great opportunity to talk to people who you might not interact with on a daily basis but with whom you want a good working relationship. There’s no need to attend every one. Select those events that you think you’ll enjoy the most and will be attended by the people you have worked most closely with over the past year. Depending on the event, you can often say hello to the people you know, perhaps meet one or two other people you’ve never formally been introduced to but would like to know, then leave.

SINEAD HOURIGAN BRISBANE DIRECTOR, ROBERT WALTERS

Unless you are Kim Kardashian I think you can safely presume that whether you turn up to a pre-Christmas workrelated event or not will probably not cause anyone else any particular angst. Organisations invite a lot of people to events around Christmas time and they normally anticipate about a 50 per cent attendance rate at best. If, however, you are being invited to a smaller intimate event such as a dinner, then if you agree to attend, it’s really important to turn up. Generally speaking, go to events that you want to attend, not because you think it will affect your personal brand.

JULIE FORD SENIOR EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, McARTHUR

Most people and/or organisations understand that at this time of year it’s very busy with conflicting priorities. Your priority should be your own organisation and your family first, so ensure you have those commitments locked in. After that, look at all the remaining invitations strategically to ensure they are mutually beneficial, they fit into you and your company’s values and that they foster professional engagement in the relationship – do have fun but remember you’re representing your organisation. Decline invitations to other events graciously and perhaps arrange a coffee catch-up.

DR NERIDA HILLBERG DIRECTOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, FERRIS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

I advise being selective in the events you attend. In my view, you could actually damage your personal brand attending every single event you are invited to. You will be so worn out that it will be hard to present the best version of yourself at every event. Devoting copious amounts of time towards attending work-related events takes you away from what really matters – your family and friends. Christmas isn’t the time to neglect either in favour of work. Protect your personal brand by always sending your RSVP promptly.

I’M ALWAYS INVITED TO MANY PRE-CHRISTMAS WORK-RELATED EVENTS. WILL IT AFFECT MY PERSONAL BRAND IF I DON’T ATTEND THEM ALL?