It is that time of year – the time to interact with work colleagues and those you are leading in a social setting.   Over the next 6 weeks, companies will be having their annual Christmas or Holiday parties.  These parties are an incredible opportunity to strengthen your leadership – how people view you as a leader – within your organization.  Here are 3 simple things you should do if you want to strengthen your leadership:

  1. Memorize Names – as you greet each person in your organization (company, department, division, etc.) at the event, be sure to call him/her by name.  Don’t know everyone’s name?  Practice beforehand.  Have someone provide you a roster (hopefully with pictures) so you can begin to memorize everyone’s names.
  2. Provide grateful words at the event.  As the leader, you will likely be expected to provide some comments to the group.  This is the time, hopefully early in the event, when everyone turns their attention to you.  Use this as an opportunity to thank everyone for their work and support over the previous year.  (Don’t forget to thank spouses and significant others as well.)
  3. Walk around the room and say, “Hi” and “Thank you” to as many people as possible.  Depending on the size of the organization, you should be able to make contact with all the attendees.

BONUS TIP – Don’t drink too much.  Nothing will diminish your leadership reputation more than getting  drunk.  Sure people will think it is funny or cool that the boss got drunk, but that is not my point.  My point is to strengthen how you are viewed as a leader.

As the leader of the organization, you are considered to be the Host of the party – similar to hosting a party at your house.  Assume that role and lead accordingly, and you will emerge an even stronger leader.