Land mine: You arrive too early and know no one.
Tactic: Make insta-pals by playing host—show newcomers to the food or booze.

Land mine: Free beer
Tactic: Keep your water cup filled at all times to avoid the "I drank beer because I was thirsty" excuse.

Land mine: Photographer for the company newsletter
Tactic: Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth; this will erase a double chin. Don't face the camera head-on—a three-quarter shot reduces the appearance of wrinkles. And do a spinach check.

Land mine: Sam, "The Snooze," from Accounting
Tactic: "Will you excuse me?" Don't claim you need to find the bathroom (maybe he does, too). Just ask to be excused. What's he going to say? No?

Land mine: The colleague who arrives when you want to leave
Tactic: "Hey, I was looking for you all day" (you weren't). "I'll catch up with you later" (you won't).

Land mine: Forced revelry
Tactic: Win the three-legged race by pairing up with someone of your build; you'll have a similar gait.