If you want to get ahead in your job, don’t fall into the trap of becoming a boozy buffoon at this year’s staff Christmas party.

The boss it at most Christmas parties and is probably watching the behaviour of everyone to see who can be trusted to be responsible while still having a good time. You can create a favourable impression or a disgraceful one.

Remember – you are on display to your boss, you co-workers and your colleagues, as well as perhaps to your clients, customers and supporters, so be on your best behaviour.

Christmas parties are all too often associated with drunken behaviour which can lead to sexual harassment claims or other inappropriate behaviour that can have disastrous consequences to your reputation and career aspirations.

On the other hand, the staff Christmas party represents an ideal opportunity to be noticed in a positive way and be noticed by the boss for future recognition.

Make sure you don’t drink more than two standard drinks and ensure you eat some high protein food with your alcohol.

If you notice that you have had too much to drink, politely excuse yourself and leave immediately. If you think you are likely to drink too much, leave early – straight after you have eaten.

But if you have paced yourself well and had no more than two drinks, use the opportunity to reach out to new people you may not have had the opportunity to get to know before. Smile. Make eye contact. Introduce yourself and see where that leads you.

Use the party as a starting point for new relationships and follow up with contacts after the party – maybe via email or a phone call. Avoid talking about yourself too much. It is better to ask questions of others and be genuinely interested in them. You will be remembered as a good listener rather than a self-promoter.

Try to talk about things other than work and take the opportunity to get to know people on a personal level. Try to speak with co-workers you might not get the chance to speak with during the year.

Make sure your boss sees you and remembers speaking with you. Say hello or shake hands with your boss and senior managers and wish them a merry Christmas if it is appropriate. When it comes time for promotions, your boss is more likely to remember you as a pleasant individual who seems happy to be working there.

Do not use the party as an opportunity to whinge about the organisation or bad-mouth anyone – especially not the boss.

If you have not met the head of the organisation, ask to be introduced through an intermediary. Do so at the beginning of the evening, not after a few drinks at the end.

Say goodnight and thank the party organiser before you leave.