Elevator etiquette in office buildings, at the airport, and in high-rise apartment buildings is essential to show courtesy to others. These seven practical tips clarify some of the most frequently asked questions I get on this topic:

1. Those waiting to get on should stand aside, not in front of the elevator door, until those exiting pass through.
2. The first one on should hold the “door open” button while the others enter.
3. It’s a polite gesture to stand in the back if you are riding to the top floor or ground floor.
4. When exiting, the person nearest the door (man or woman) steps off first. In a crowded elevator, men do not need to crunch aside and wait for the women to exit first.
5. When someone in the back of a crowded elevator is ready to exit, it’s common courtesy that others provide a clear path to exit when he or she reaches their floor. Those standing in the front should stand aside or even exit briefly if necessary to let those in the back exit. The person in the back wishing to exit may say, “This is my floor, excuse me, please,” as he or she makes their way forward.
6. When only a man and woman are in the elevator, tradition says the man lets the woman exit first.
7. It’s okay to break the ice and say “hello” or “good morning” if there are only one or two occupants.

But, smartphones and manners are compatible. Here are seven easily doable tips to help raise the bar on workplace smartphone etiquette.

7 Business Etiquette Tips for Cell Phone Users in the Workplace

1. Give 100% focus to the person in front of you. Don’t interrupt a face-to-face conversation with someone—in the hallway or in the employee lunchroom–by taking a call or texting. The question to ask yourself is this, “What impression am I making when my attention is diverted to my phone?”
2. At a business lunch, a mobile device shouldn’t be part of the place setting. Keep it stashed in a jacket pocket, handbag or briefcase.
3. In meetings, avoid “reading under the table.” Most people know to turn their phone to silent in a meeting. However, it’s not the occasional phone ringing that’s so annoying. It’s the people who scroll through their emails, check their Facebook page, text, tweet, or check sports scores–in their lap. People notice this more than you think. It’s not only distracting and discourteous to the speaker, but also to those around you. Also, paying attention to your messages instead of the meeting sends a signal that the people in the room are not important to you. And that’s a dangerous message if those people are clients, or have power over your job or career path. You want to appear engaged and a team player. If you are expecting an urgent call, mention it before the meeting begins and then excuse yourself and step away when you take the call. In longer meetings, wait until a break to check emails and phone messages.
4. Have a professional ring tone. Whether it’s your personal cell phone or one issued by your company, a professional ring tone is important to convey a professional image of you.
5. In a cubicle, turn your mobile device to silent. It’s annoying and distracting if your phone rings and you’re there, but it’s more irritating to coworkers if it rings and rings when you’re away from your desk.  Let voice mail take the call if you step away for a cup of coffee or a meeting.
6. Take personal calls in a private place. Hearing someone talk loudly on a cell phone, especially about personal business is distracting and discourteous to coworkers trying to do their jobs. It’s best to go to an empty conference room or other private location to make a personal call. And do keep personal calls to a minimum so that you don’t appear unfocused to your team or your boss.
7. Never use your cell phone in the restroom.  This is not the place to share personal or confidential company or client information. You never know who might be in listening range.

If you make it your personal challenge to use these etiquette tips, then collectively your workplace will enjoy greater cell phone etiquette. And that’s something that everyone will appreciate.

True, most people would prefer the empty office down the hall, the one with a river view. But, until then, here are three secrets for successful cubicle dwelling. These ground rules and etiquette tips will help all cubicle dwellers feel more productive as well as neighborly.

1. Prioritize privacy. Never enter someone’s cubicle without permission. Knock softly on the cubicle wall or announce yourself at their doorway. Then wait for a response—either verbally or via a nod of the head—from the occupant before entering. If he or she is on the phone, don’t loiter outside their cube waiting; go back a few minutes later. Never “borrow” supplies from someone else’s cubicle just because there’s no door. Avoid reading what’s on someone’s computer screen.  Remember, no phone call is truly private. Take personal calls in another room or outside. Meet with visitors in a conference room rather than in your cubicle. Avoid taking calls when you have a visitor to respect the caller’s privacy.
2. Ditch distractions. Use ear buds when listening to music. Try to pick up the phone after one or two rings; and turn the ring volume to the lowest setting. Resist using screensaver sound effects. Avoid putting conference calls on speakerphone; use a conference room instead. When away from your cubicle, set your phone to take voice messages. If leaving your cell phone behind while you go down the hall for coffee, place it on off or vibrate.
3. Show respect. Don’t keep people from their work by stopping by for long chats; even if you don’t have a busy day, someone else may. Resist eavesdropping over the cubicle wall or bringing up anything you overhear from a neighbor’s conversation; it make you appear nosy and unfocused on your own work. Don’t have impromptu meetings outside someone’s cubicle; brainstorm in a conference room or break room instead. Use good taste when decorating cubicle walls with posters and pictures. Eat smelly foods in the kitchen, not in your cubicle. Use the restroom to floss, clip your nails, or fix the chip in your manicure. Don’t hang coats or other items over cubicle walls. Invest in a small corner-size coat tree.

By following these tips,  you’ll enhance your professional image and gain the respect of coworkers. Not only that, you and your cubicle dwellers will co-exist as good neighbors and have a productive day.

Here are ten easy career advancement tips that you can do to ensure you are on the right track for upward mobility at work:

Get a good night’s sleep. Bring your best, most rested self to work. Most of us need seven to eight hours of shut-eye for peak productivity. Entice yourself to hit the sack earlier with a good book on your Kindle.

Be on time. Whether arriving to work or attending a meeting, be on time. Better yet, arrive a few minutes early. Not only will you be more focused, but you show respect for others and their time. Be punctual with project deadlines, too. Often others are waiting on your work to get theirs done.

Greet others. Research shows that the majority of employees like to be greeted in the morning. This doesn’t mean you have to get into a long conversation. It just means giving a friendly good morning greeting as you walk from the parking garage or pass in the hallway.

Have a positive can-do attitude. Everyone enjoys being around a person with a positive attitude. And it’s contagious. Your attitude drives not only your behavior; it affects others quickly and floats all the boats higher.

Avoid gossip. It’s one of the most hated office practices. When you hear it, let it go in one ear and out the other. Never write anything condescending or negative in an email or in a social media post about a coworker, your boss, the board of directors, or your company. Email conversations and Facebook posts are never private and can harm your work relationships,  reputation and career.

Affirm others. Don’t be quick to find fault in others. (We’re all human and make mistakes!).  Instead, be a person who looks for the good in others and then let them know. “Bill, thanks for getting that report to me so quickly. It helped us make a good decision in the XYZ case.” “Wow, that’s great/awesome how you…”

Raise your hand. It’s easy to talk about what needs to be done. Be a person who volunteers to do it.

Use power words often: The words please, thank-you, I’m sorry, I was wrong, What’s your opinion? go a long way in building positive work relationships.

Dress for success. You are an extension of your company’s brand. When you look professional, it not only gives a great first and lasting impression, but it’s a way to show respect to yourself, your clients, and your coworkers. Purge anything from your closet that’s ill-fitting, pilling, or showing wear. For example, if your white shirts look dingy, your navy blazer looks shiny, or your brown belt has loose stitching…then it’s time to replace them. Focus on adding new items that are timeless such as gray slacks or a navy suit, and a few trendy items such as scarves or a statement necklace that keep you looking up to date.

Be a team player. Yes, everyone’s heard this a million times, but it’s worth repeating. Being a “Lone Ranger” can alienate you from coworkers. Help build a cohesive team by participating in the discussion at meetings (but not interrupting, arguing, or having side conversations!), and by giving others credit on a team project. You can be a team player by introducing others, taking a new employee to lunch, and going the extra mile for someone (even when it’s not convenient).

Spring forward in your career advancement by practicing good workplace manners.

Here are eight ways to polish your dating etiquette, project greater confidence, and appear socially savvy on a first date or any date.

1. Appearance counts. As the saying goes, you never get a second chance for a first impression. Dress appropriately for the restaurant or venue you’re headed to. It’s always better to take it up a notch and err on the side of over dressing rather than under dressing. Guys, a jacket or blazer looks nice. A tie doesn’t hurt either.
2. Mind your manners. Does the guy still open the car door, hold doors, and seat the woman at a restaurant table? Absolutely! Also, get up from the table when she leaves and returns to the table. Courtesy and respect is never out of style. Women should graciously accept these considerate gestures with a simple ‘thank you.’
3. Make reservations in advance. Book your table early. Good restaurants fill up quickly around Valentine’s Day and weekends. Make reservations via OpenTable or call the restaurant directly. And, it’s best not to try a new eatery on a first date. You’ll be assured of great food and service at a tried-and-true restaurant.
4. Mind the menu. We all love our barbeque ribs, spaghetti, and burritos, but make it easy on yourself  by ordering items that aren’t too stringy, sticky, or awkward to eat. Stay with easy-to-eat foods so you can focus on the person across from you, not the potential of a culinary mishap. Men, allow your date to order first. Give her an indication of your hospitality limits by saying, “The New York Strip is good. And, their halibut is wonderful.” She should not feel compelled to order either one, but it helps her to know what price range is acceptable. After she’s taken a few bites, ask how her meal is. If anything needs attention (ex: her steak is undercooked), it is your responsibility to signal the server and politely ask for it to be put back on the grill.
5. Treat the wait staff and bartender with courtesy. Showing respect to those who serve you says a lot about your character. Instead of “Give me the rib eye” say, “May I please have the rib eye.” Say ‘thank you’ anytime the server brings something to your table or refreshes your beverage. You are more inclined to get great service if you have an attitude of respect, versus an attitude of entitlement.
6. Keep small talk light hearted. Avoid talking about your “ex,” work-related gripes, or too much about yourself.  Get to know your date. Ask open-ended questions…what, how, when questions. What brought you to the city? How did you get into that industry? Good small talk can be about current movies and books, the local music scene, hobbies, sports, news, or pop culture.
7. Turn off the tech. We’re a text-obsessed society, but keep your phone put away and out of sight. (Never place it on the restaurant table!) If you’re expecting an urgent call, ask to be excused and go to a private place to take the call.
8. Who pays? The one who invites is the one who pays. It’s generous for a woman to offer to contribute, but on a first date, in particular, the gentleman should pay for dinner, as well as the tip (20% or more at an upscale restaurant) and coat check. And, to not appear tacky, it’s best to save the Groupon deal for going out with coworkers!

8 Holiday Dinner Party Etiquette Tips

1. RSVP. Call the number on the invitation to let the hostess know whether or not you plan to attend. The hostess needs to know how to plan food, beverages, and seating. Never take uninvited guests with you.
2. Arrive at the time stated on the invitation, or within 10 minutes of it. If the invitation is casual, and says arrive between 6:30 – 7, then split the difference and ring the door bell at 6:45. If the invitation says cocktails 7:00- 8:00, dinner at 8:00, then arrive anytime during the cocktail hour, but at least 15 minutes before dinner. You don’t want to arrive just as everyone is being seated at the table.
3. What about a hostess gift? A hostess gift is a nice gesture for a small party, especially when you know the host well. It’s a way to show appreciation for the dinner invitation. But this ritual varies in different parts of the country and in various circles of friends. So, learn what’s appropriate where you live and with your friends. You don’t want to be the only one not taking a gift, and you don’t want to be the only one who does.
   • Appropriate hostess gifts include flowers, decorative candle, food, or wine. While flowers are lovely, they do obligate an already busy hostess to find a vase and arrange them—so take them already arranged in a vase.
   • Take a bottle of wine only if you know the host and hostess’s wine preferences. The host and hostess are not expected to serve the wine at the dinner, as they will have already planned wines suited for the meal.
   • Better yet, if you do take something, make it personal, for example, monogrammed paper beverage napkins, with a jar of hummus and a spreader, or homemade jam with some fresh bagels for your host’s breakfast the next morning.
   • Another thoughtful gesture is to send a thank-you gift after the party – flowers to enjoy, wine, or chocolates.
   • If it’s a large formal party—and especially if you don’t know the host well, do not take a hostess gift.
4. Enjoy mingling with other guests if there are cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before dinner. Introduce yourself to those you don’t know. Make small talk by asking how they know the host and hostess and about their holiday plans.
5. When dinner is announced, if there are several tables set up with place cards, find your spot and stand behind your chair until the hostess sits down. If there are no place cards, the host will indicate where you should sit. Men should help seat the woman to their right.
6. Do not ‘eat and run.” Generally you’ll want to stay an hour after dinner. It’s hardly a compliment to the host and hostess if you exit just after the meal is finished. Often when the hostess rises from the table at the end of the meal, she’ll suggest everyone get comfortable in the living room for coffee or after-dinner drinks. A good indication that the evening has come to an end is when the host is no longer offers refills.
7. After getting your coat, thank your host and hostess and leave. Don’t be one of those guests who take 30 minutes to leave after getting your coat on!
8. It’s not necessary to send a thank-you note to your host and hostess if you thanked them verbally, but it’s a nice gesture and makes you stand out as a thoughtful guest. Or, you may phone the hostess the next day to again express your enjoyment of the party.