5 Workplace Character Traits for a Positive Reputation Workplace character traits often trump skills. A lack of character in the workplace has now caused some companies to “hire for character and train for skill.” It doesn’t mean skills and competence don’t matter. But, often skills can be taught and mastered on the job, while character flaws may not be redeemable. We’ve all… Read More
No Phone Brunch – 3 Reasons to Put Your Phone Away There’s a new trend called the No-Phone Brunch. But, the concept can be applied to any restaurant meal or when out having drinks with friends. Here’s how it works: Everyone puts their phones in the middle of the table, and the first person to reach for theirs has to pay the entire bill. Sounds harsh,… Read More
How Do You Eat a Wedge Salad? “How do you eat a wedge salad?” is a question that comes up often in my corporate and university dining etiquette training sessions. I normally suggest not ordering “difficult-to-eat foods,” especially at a business meal. But, with the ever-popular Iceberg Wedge Salad gracing restaurant menus everywhere, I wanted to give my attendees the confidence-building tips… Read More
Hot Tea Etiquette – 8 Tips to Appear Socially Refined Hot Tea Etiquette – 8 Tips to Appear Socially Refined While January is recognized as National Hot Tea Month, hot tea etiquette is important in business and social settings all year long. We’ve come a long way from the straight-laced Victorian tea times when afternoon tea was first established (and even the post-Edwardian period…think Downton… Read More
8 Rules of Business Email Etiquette Most of us fire off dozens of work emails every day, often with hardly a second thought. But, it’s vital that your business emails look and sound professional. I was honored to provide these 8 rules of business email etiquette for Nextiva, a cloud-communication company. Using good email etiquette in the office is part of good… Read More