If you’re a business leader thinking of giving a rousing speech at your company Christmas party, then you might want to give it a second thought.

The video of a CEO – who admitted to his own eccentric behaviour in a speech to his employees – has gone viral.

Stephen Carter, CEO of recruitment firm Sharp and Carter, could be heard in the video warning his staff of over 200: “I take drugs myself; I just don’t do it at work events.”

Such events are off-limits. “If you take drugs at the Christmas party, you will be fired. It’s a really strong rule,” Carter said.

Little did the CEO know that his message was being recorded, and that the event was being broadcast over Zoom for employees joining remotely.

Carter was shocked to learn that the recording was later shared externally.

Good intentions, questionable execution

In a statement, the CEO clarified that while he had no “philosophical objection” to recreational drug use, he himself had not done so in “about five years”.

Carter explained: “It’s to do with friends in a social setting. Go and have drugs tomorrow for all I care, but don’t do it at the Christmas party or at work.”

While the warning came with good intentions for the party-goers, the CEO said he would have chosen to phrase his message “a bit differently” if he knew it would be circulated widely.

“The intention obviously is to look after and care for my people so they don’t do damage to themselves and others,” Carter said.

However, it wasn’t just the consequences of drug use that Carter had strong words for. He also had uncanny advice for employees who were up to no good at the event.

Referring to a recent scandal of infidelity involving two employees, Carter told staff at the party: “If you want to cheat on your partner, I would recommend 2024 as a stark reminder it is probably not wise to cheat on your partner with someone at work.”

Carter believes the workplace is a great place for single people to widen their social sphere. However, “if you are going to cheat on your partner and if you have to do it—just don’t do it with someone at work. It really becomes problematic as we have seen,” he said at the party.

How to prevent communication faux pas at your company parties

What lessons can HR and business leaders glean from the incident at Sharp and Carter’s company celebration?

1. Mind your platform: all eyes are on you

In an age where every word can become tomorrow’s headline, assume the microphone is always hot and the camera is always rolling. Speak as if addressing the world, not just the room—because you likely are.

2. Keep it professional: don’t let your tongue run loose

Even when the setting feels casual, resist the urge to share tales better left for the pub. Loose lips sink ships, so anchor your message in professionalism and inclusivity.

3. Set policies with a velvet glove, not an iron fist

Rules are necessary, but they’re best delivered with grace. Barking orders or waxing lyrical about your personal habits could drown out the core message you’re trying to convey.

4. Draw the line between personal and professional

Mixing personal confessions with corporate policies muddies the waters. Stick to the business of business, and leave your private musings at the door.

5. Train your leaders: don’t send them in without armour

Public speaking can be a battlefield, and your leaders need to be well-equipped. Teach them how to deliver messages with poise, even when the stakes are high or the setting informal.

6. Guard your reputation: don’t let one slip tarnish the crown

A single misstep can snowball into a PR catastrophe. Leaders must tread carefully, as their words can ripple far beyond the room—or Zoom—they were spoken in.

7. Make events a safe space, not a minefield

Company gatherings should build bridges, not burn them. These events are not the time for airing dirty laundry or issuing heavy-handed warnings.

8. Spell out the rules: a stitch in time saves nine

Lay out your expectations well in advance. A clear, concise code of conduct is like a safety net, catching potential issues before they become full-blown crises.

9. Keep sensitive matters behind closed doors

Washing your hands of delicate topics in public can leave everyone feeling uncomfortable. Handle such matters with discretion, away from prying eyes and wagging tongues.

10. Balance honesty with tact: don’t show all your cards

Transparency is admirable, but it needs a dose of diplomacy. Filter your thoughts to avoid stepping on toes while still maintaining authenticity.

11. Invite feedback: let the team hold up the mirror

Create an open-door culture where employees can share their thoughts on leadership communication. Constructive feedback is the cornerstone of accountability.

12. Have a plan for when the wheels come off

Act swiftly to address a PR crisis. A robust crisis management plan will help steady the ship and rebuild trust, both within and outside the organisation.