 | Dick and Doris Kelsey
own and operate The Red Barn, as well as the King's Camp and King's Achievement Center located next to Lake Afton. Dick has been a public speaker for 25 years and has led statewide organizations for 15 years. He has planned and executed hundreds of business conferences and meetings. Dick and Doris can be reached by phone at (316) 794-3320, or you can send an email to: contactus@meetatthebarn.com, or visit them at The Red Barn located on MacArthur Road next to Lake Afton. |
Management & Training
2004-09-01 12:08:00
Planning a safe & fun office party
ANSWER: Before long the talk around the water cooler will be "what are we going to do for the company Christmas party?” Someone will pop up and say, "Let's do something different this year… but what?” The first thing you might want to do is send out a "brainstorming" memo where you ask people to submit any ideas they have for a Christmas party no matter how crazy it might be. Get the ideas flowing. In a good brainstorming session, people share ideas without worrying about whether the idea could work or not. Then compile your ideas and have a group go through them one by one. What's the budget and who's paying? Check with the person who gives out the money in your company and see what funds are going to be available. If no company money were to be had then how much would each person be willing to pay? Who is to be included? Are spouses or significant others invited? These questions need to be answered so you know how many people will be involved and what kind of venue will work. What about a theme? A party can be planned around various themes. A western theme, 50's night, or a theme based on another country and their customs could provide a unique angle to your party. A good theme party takes some planning and good communication. If a man never bothers to tell his wife that you are suppose to dress in western outfits and she shows up in a party dress, that couple will not have a fun night. Consider an old fashioned Country Christmas at a remote location, with a roaring fire in a stone fireplace, and co-workers sharing hot cider and toasting marshmallows. More and more companies are doing away with alcohol at company parties. It is unfortunate but true that when some people get some alcohol in their system their behavior changes and not for the better. People can have a really fun time without alcohol, and by not supplying the opportunity to drink at your function; your company is not liable for their behavior. This year do something different. Plan a safe and fun party that people will share happy memories about for many months.
