A Special Message for Millennials:

You, in whom I’ve bestowed so much hope and optimism for our future, please heed the following workplace advice this holiday season.

• Don’t bring uninvited guests. Unless it’s clear that you may bring someone, don’t assume it’s OK to bring along your roommate or cousin.

• Don’t arrive fashionably late. Just like you should not show up late for work, don’t do so for the party.

• Dress appropriately. Ladies, “evening attire” doesn’t mean wear your favorite club outfit. What looks great there (lots of leg and skin) is inappropriate at an office event. Keep it classy. Guys, don’t wear flip flops or baseball caps.

• Avoid obsessive phone checking. It makes you come across as socially inept, plus it’s a party faux-pas no matter the occasion.

• Avoid TMI. Millennials are prone to offer Too Much Information. Yes, you’re open, uninhibited and willing to share personal drama -which means you trust me and like me- but this isn’t the place.

• Don’t drop “F” bombs. Even if everyone in attendance is under 35, you should be able to express yourself without this verbal crutch for the duration.

• Don’t get hammered. Don’t get hammered (are you listening?)  Sure it’s an open bar, but it’s really a test of your judgment (or a trap really). Don’t have more than two drinks.

• Speaking of drinks, keep your beverage on your left hand, which keeps your right hand available for handshakes as you mingle. Which reminds me, DO mingle and try to meet new people from other departments.

• Don’t make moves on a colleague, or hit on anyone. Bad, bad idea.

• Don’t leave after 5 minutes. “ What, you have better things to do? Too good to stick around?”  That’s how it comes across, and you don’t want to give that message. Stay at least an hour, preferably more.

• Do say thank you to the host. Or whoever put the event together or whoever is paying for it. Showing appreciation is always good etiquette (and a great business skill).

Now go forth, have fun and be fabulously successful.