Workplace Etiquette – How NOT to Annoy Your Coworkers We’ve all been there…silently enduring a coworker’s annoying habit or behavior. And most often, coworkers don’t even realize that their own actions or behaviors are unintentionally annoying others. Most people aren’t comfortable confronting the offender or speaking to the boss about it. So, people just continue repeating the irritating little habits that, over time, start… Read More
March Madness – College hoops versus office productivity With March Madness 2017 on the minds of many employees these days, how should employers handle the lure of NCAA college hoops versus sacrificing office productivity? A recent survey by OfficeTeam reported that half of senior managers said activities tied to the tournament – such as office pools focused on the 68-team brackets — boost… Read More
How to Address President Trump and Barack Obama How does one correctly address the newly elected President of the United States? In the media, he’s being correctly referred to as President Donald Trump or President Trump. However, did you know that the President’s name is never used in his presence? And, on a related note, how does one refer to a former President?… Read More
Email Etiquette – 3 Ideas for Effective Email Subject Lines The first part of each New Year I receive an influx of email inquiries about my business etiquette services. Companies and organizations are planning their professional development for the year, and I’m always thrilled to share how I may serve them. However, in these inquiry emails, several things catch my eye, including the lack of… Read More
Teenager Manners – How should teenagers address adults? It depends… How should teenagers address adults? With titles and forms of address such as Mr. and Mrs.? First name? It depends…on the part of the country you live in, how well the teenager knows the adult, and how the adult prefers to be addressed. Addressing adults with courtesy is part of good everyday manners and good… Read More
Toasting Etiquette Tips for New Year’s Eve New Year’s Eve means it will soon be time to gather with your nearest and dearest. And a high point of the festivities is to raise a glass of bubbly to toast in the New Year. Here are five etiquette tips to help you kick off the New Year with style: A few minutes before… Read More
6 Ways to Be Positively Polished at the Office Holiday Party Tis the season for workplace holiday parties. They’re a great way to unwind and get to know co-workers better. But, employees have to remember that it’s still a work event. Even though it’s called a party, it’s not the time to let loose. You’re on stage, being observed by coworkers, supervisors, and maybe even a… Read More
Texting Etiquette – 10 Telephone Tips For A Text Message Era Millennials prefer texting, but phone skills remain essential. If you’re a Millennial, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that boxy thing on your desk by now. It rings and you can talk on it. But, you can’t text on it or download apps. Is it still a necessary part of your office gadgets? Yes, it’s still a relevant… Read More
How to Eat Oysters on the Half Shell A lovely tray of oysters on the half shell was beautifully presented to our table as an appetizer on my recent birthday dinner at the spectacular Summit Club in Tulsa. As an etiquette expert, I want to always feel I know what’s correct for any situation. But, I will admit… I committed a faux pas… Read More
People Skills, Professionalism and Protocol Important for Career Success and Advancement People skills, professionalism and protocol are never out of style. They’re important for career success and advancement. And, National Business Etiquette Week, annually the first week of June, is a good time to reflect on how to sharpen these skills. Even if your company does not provide personal professional development workshops, take the initiative yourself.… Read More