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Government Leader home > November 2005 issue
November 2005; Vol. 1 No. 4
WHEN TO SAY WHEN: Keeping the holiday season in perspective
By Jason Miller
The holiday decorations spring up at department stores earlier and earlier each year—reminding you it’s that time of year again. And at the office, it’s no different.
It will soon be time for the endless agency and industry parties, the grab-bag luncheon with co-workers and the nonstop supply of sweets that arrive in your office.
But whether you’re filled with holiday cheer or jeer, the “happiest time of the year” can be a juggling act that could help advance your career or leave you answering questions from your agency’s inspector general.
You have to know how to avoid the potential trouble that seemingly innocent gifts or party invitations can bring.
Here are some survival tips from former and current career federal employees and political appointees on how to make it through the holiday season in one piece.
No excuses. Every agency gives employees a handbook on ethics, and most ethics officers or general counsels send out a memo in November reminding employees what they can and can’t do. While the rules are not always consistent from one agency to another, according to one long-time former fed, you should know where your agency draws the line. Certain agencies, such as the Justice Department or the White House, are more sensitive about where employees go and what they do. Then again, as one administration official said jokingly, “No one invites someone from the Office of Management and Budget to their party anyway.”
If in doubt, ask. If you are invited to an event and are not sure if it fits under the rules, it’s better to be safe than sorry—ask your agency’s ethics officer. While many events probably are OK, you don’t want to just assume you can go and risk getting into hot water.
Perception is reality. Even if you get the go-ahead to attend an event or accept a gift, how it is perceived in the community is very important. Don’t go to an event or accept a gift from a vendor who has unresolved business with your office, such as a request for proposals or a contract protest. While association events usually are OK, company parties need to be considered more closely. You don’t want to be accused of favoring one company over another by attending a party because it just happened to fit into your schedule.
Mind your manners. Proper etiquette is essential at parties. We are not talking about Emily Post here, but you should understand that office parties or those at private organizations with political appointees tend to be more reserved and your actions will be under the microscope. Don’t tell politically incorrect jokes or gorge at the buffet. If you want to drink more than moderately, do so with only trusted friends and remember the potential consequences. You don’t want to get caught jumping into the Tidal Basin like former Rep. Wilbur Mills (D-Ohio) did with a stripper named Fannie Fox.
Share and share alike. Many vendors like to send chocolate or cakes as gifts. It’s best if you put them in a centrally located place in the office so everyone can share the goodies. Food usually is the safest gift, followed by personalized holiday cards and a small, personalized or homemade present. If you get any gifts outside the acceptable range—identified by a strict dollar amount—return them or give them to your agency’s ethics officer, where they become property of the government. Always err on the side of caution. All the experts pointed out that no gift is worth your job.
Yoga, meditation, vacation. Balance is the important thing during this time of year. Take some time for family, friends and, especially, for yourself. The office usually is quiet, so it’s a good time to clean out old files or catch up on work that you’ve been putting off. And remember, you can say no to a holiday invitation, but do it gracefully.
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