We know. It's December. It's dark at 4pm, your social battery is dead, and your sofa is looking at you with sweet eyes, promising you a comfy Netflix evening.

It's tempting to skip the office party. To pull out the excuse of "Oh, my aunt is visiting from out of town." or "I think I'm coming down with something".

No way! This year, at LeaderZone, we strongly encourage you to go. Why? Because leadership is also about knowing how to celebrate (and eating free canapés).

Here is our top 10 list of reasons (out of 1000) why you should put on your "ugliest sweater" and show up at the party this year:

1. Fight inflation, one bite at a time

Let's be honest: groceries are expensive. The Christmas party is the perfect opportunity to make your year pay off. Shrimp, canapés, salmon appetizers... It's technically a tax-free perk. Take advantage of it.

2. Prove that you have legs

After years of working from home or Zoom meetings, some of your colleagues might think you're just a floating, pixelated torso. It's time to prove you exist in 3D and that, yes, you do sometimes wear something other than pajama pants.

3. Seeing your boss dance to "All I Want for Christmas Is You"

It's a priceless spectacle. Watching management let loose on the dance floor humanizes leadership in a way no other activity could ever match. It's the kind of memory you'll want to preserve forever.

4. Discovering that Martin “from accounting” is really funny

At the office, Martin talks about Excel spreadsheets and taxes. But after a couple of glasses of punch, you might discover that Martin is a former karaoke champion or that he makes incredible impressions (look at the pic, upper-center!). The party is where you discover the team's true hidden talents.

5. The golden rule: Out of sight, out of mind (or the subject of gossip)

If you don't go, guess who we'll be talking about? Exactly. To control your own narrative and avoid becoming the subject of Monday morning urban legends, you have to be present on the ground.

6. Create memories

Team building isn't just about sitting in a conference room with sticky notes. It's about laughing until you cry because the marketing team has decided to do an impromptu dance routine. It 's these moments that truly bond a team (this is the serious part of the article, courtesy of LeaderZone).

7. This is the only time we DON'T talk about work

Règle stricte : interdiction de demander « As-tu envoyé le rapport Lambda? ». Le party de Noël est une zone neutre. C’est le moment de parler de vos chats, de vos voyages ou de votre passion secrète pour le casse-tête de compétition (ça existe, j’ai vérifié!).

8. The next morning (The Debrief )

The best part of the Christmas party is often the next morning (or the following Monday). The knowing glances at the coffee machine, the "Did you see how Andréanne was looking at Paul the whole evening...?" and the "I can't believe David actually did that!" If you don't go, you won't understand any of the inside jokes until March.

9. Step out of your bubble

Leadership is about connection. It's the perfect opportunity to chat with people from other departments you never otherwise meet. Break down silos with a glass of bubbly in hand!

10- Parce que vous le méritez

You've worked hard. It's been a long year. You've survived deadlines, changing priorities, and dreary Monday mornings. You deserve to celebrate, laugh, and be waited on.

So, shall we meet at the buffet?

From the entire LeaderZone team, we wish you a holiday season filled with laughter, rest, and above all, festive and human leadership!

Cheers!