However, when I found myself stuck with him on my own at the end of the evening, having had far too much to drink, it didn't seem that out of place to kiss him. Fortunately, a couple of our colleagues caught up with us before we were able to take things any further. They didn't see what had just happened, and suggested heading over to an after awards party that they had blagged some tickets to. My boss is now suggesting we meet up on our own as we have "unfinished business" to attend to. My appraisal is next week, and I am worried that he might hold the incident against me. What should I do?
A: Firstly, you shouldn't be so shallow. Sure, your boss might be short, balding and slightly overweight, but I bet he's got a great personality and is extremely funny once you get to know him.
I'd also suggest that you ease up on the booze next time you are out at an industry function. Getting drunk and snogging the boss is not the best way to move your career forward - although I can't say it has done me any harm over the years.
The best thing you can do is to find some way to speak to your boss when there is nobody else around and apologise for your behaviour.
Tell him that you were very drunk and have a vague recollection of doing something you wish you hadn't.
Hopefully, your boss will be too much of a gentleman to try to take things further after that. He certainly should not use your forthcoming appraisal as leverage to begin a relationship with you.
If he does, you must complain to his boss or your HR department. On the other hand, he may well give you a better-than-expected appraisal - and if this is due to the event of the other night, my advice is to keep quiet.
You don't have to take things further, and I doubt that he will tell anyone that he gave you a better appraisal than you deserved because you kissed him.
Hopefully, with a bit of time, this incident will soon be forgotten, and your working relationship with your boss will continue on a professional basis.
Oh, and if you work for me, the answer is "no". A snog is definitely not going to improve your chances of getting a better appraisal.
David Emin is director of advertising at Mirror Group Newspapers. Send your dilemmas to david.emin@haymarket.com