Making Etiquette Easy: Desk Dining

Let’s face it—everyone has to eat at some point during the workday. Whether you have too much on your plate (no pun intended), you’re running late, or your low-blood sugar mandates it, make sure you are prepared to eat properly at your desk…

· Cater to the Senses: The main office complaint about food is the smell. Yes, you may love that spicy Indian dish, warmed-up fish, or French fries, but it doesn’t mean anyone else needs to smell it. Be respectful and bring things to eat that are less aromatic and more group-friendly!

· Make it Simple: You shouldn’t be hosting a cooking show in the company kitchen. Be sure to bring something that is either a zip away from being open or a quick turn in the microwave from being ready.

· Timing is Everything: Make sure that you aren’t eating in front of customers or talking on the phone while munching—it’s totally inappropriate and makes the other party feel awkward.

· Clean up, Clean up: If you’re blessed enough to have a clean-up crew, make sure you make their job easier. Common courtesy is the bottom like

· Know the Rules of the Fridge: label your food, don’t hog the shelves, wrap everything securely, and always throw out food that is close to expiring.

· Know the Rules of the Microwave: always wipe it down, cover your food, and reset the time when you leave. There's nothing worse than opening a microwave that looks as if a chili bomb exploded. Now that's a real appetite downer right there. (Hmmm, maybe there's a new diet strategy there somewhere.) :)

Happy Dining!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Punctuality

Happy Monday morning. What better day than to be reminded about the importance of being time. Believe me, I get it. Being on time is never as simple as it seems…there’s traffic, an alarm clock that’s behind, a sick child, and a dead battery in your car. For the most part, people are more likely to forgive your "every now and then tardiness" if you are typically on time and appear to make the effort to be prompt. Here's why:

· Being on time communicates respect. It means, “I’ve been planning for this moment in advance and I am here to give you the most valuable asset I have, my time.”

· Being on time shows that you stick to your word. When you signed a work contract stating your office hours are from 9am-5pm, there were probably not any sub-clauses excusing the few times a week you come in at 9:15am. (But hey, maybe work that in next time...)

· Being on time means you know how to manage things. You know how to plan, allocate, and execute- all wise business traits to exhibit.

If you’ve always been the person lagging a few steps behind, consider this a challenge for you to pick up the pace. It’s never too late to start integrating new habits into your routine that can make a positive difference. Remember, it's the little things that help elevate you on the promotion list.

Making Etiquette Easy

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Positivity

Often overlooked, a pleasant disposition can go a long way. And while we all have our bad days where nothing seems to go our way, here are a few things to remember whenever you get that familiar grumble that makes you want to either retreat or voice concern…

· Stop yourself anytime you feel an urge to complain or make excuses, it can be interpreted as unprofessional.

· Actions speak louder than words, and boy, do they ever in an office environment. Try to be the man or woman who fixes the problem, not announces it or "stirs things up."

· No matter what your circumstance, accept criticism with grace and a smile. In humbling yourself this way, you’re communicating how pliable you are as an employee and a person —a rare trait these days.

· You can always glean something from every situation. Remember, you’re never too old to learn a new trick.

· Leave your personal life at home. Unless something fatal has happened, it’s best not to let your frustrations from your home life infiltrate your work attitude. Are we having fun yet?

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Priorities

When looking back at 2009, the first thing that comes to me is that I’m not sure where it went? I can see a calendar chock full of events, meetings and obligations, but what happened to my year? If you are nodding in agreement while you read this, then it’s time to slow down and drink some sweet Texas tea... okay, maybe just smell the roses. Here is why it’s important to narrow in your priorities this year…

1. You get what you want. Next year, maybe you can look back and smile at all the fun activities you made time for—those salsa-dancing lessons, more involvement in your favorite charities auction, and lots of memories with close friends and family. If you don’t know what’s important, you are sure to be unhappy year after year.

2. You have more to offer. Surprisingly, by not spreading yourself thin and being all over the board with zillions of activities, you have more to offer to the causes that mean the most to you. Quality is always better than quantity.

3. You avoid burnout. When you over-program yourself with work or commitments, you will eventually fall into a rut. It’s okay to leave in time for dinner if it means you have to come in a little earlier the next day. Whether you realize it or not, all the over-committing and under-prioritizing catches up with you at some point. So do your best to slow down (or stop -what a concept) and take a deep breath before it leads to you saying or doing something you don’t mean out of exhaustion.

So think twice about how your spending your days so you can give only the best of yourself in the days to come!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Dress to Impress

Exactly how many people do you think have ever ‘judged a book by it’s cover?’ We've all done it, and frankly, will continue to do it. We can’t be naïve to the fact that there are dress codes, whether spoken or unspoken in all work environments, so keep these things in mind next time you venture to your closet before starting another day at the office:

· Take yourself seriously. Pay attention to the dress code at your office, and reflect that policy in your wardrobe.

· If you’re new, be sure to ask about it upfront or talk to a veteran who might be able to steer you in the right direction.

· Always carry a professional briefcase or small handbag that flows with your image, not detracts from it.

· Get a dry-cleaning account. Just because you’re wearing designer pants doesn’t mean you look professional. Everything needs to be polished and pressed.

· Leave your animals at home. It’s distracting when people wear clothing with animal hair all over. Having an energetic Labrador at home, I can personally speak to the challenges of this one. It's just something you have to be mindful of when running out the door. We've now invested in numerous lint rollers for the house and car. It would probably wouldn't hurt to keep one at the office as well.

· In general, the more your wardrobe doesn’t ‘stand out’ in an office setting, the better. Let your amazing talent and wonderful personality be what attracts the attention.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Just Say No

For some reason, the art of saying ‘no’ puts Americans in a conundrum. If we truly were to donate to every cause, chair every board, and volunteer our talents for everything asked of us, we would be tired, broke, and unhappy. Having good manners doesn’t mean always saying ‘yes.’ It’s important to establish your own healthy boundaries so that (yes) you can actually keep on giving, in a way that counts. Here are some polite suggestions of ways to decline an unwanted invitation you might receive:

“I’d love to help. Unfortunately, I’m overextended right now.’

“That sounds great, but I just can’t put one more thing on my calendar this month. Let's touch base when things slow down.”

“If you need to know right now, I'd probably have to say no.”

“As much as I'd love to, I just can’t.”

“No, but thank you for thinking of me. I'm honored.”

Though basic, we sometime need to rehearse these perfectly acceptable responses. Besides, this way you will have more time for the things that matter most. Be upfront and honest about your intentions. If you can’t, you can’t. Not everyone has to know that it’s because you have been waiting to take get that much needed massage for three weeks.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Starting the Thank-You's

Now that Christmas has come and gone, and we are eagerly still trying out (or on) our new gifts, it can be hard to focus on much else. But the weeks that follow Christmas summon a time for all mankind to be reminded and appreciative of the generosity of those around us, namely in the form of Thank-You notes. So here is your official reminder, as well as a few tips to get you through the process as seamlessly and professionally as possible:

• It's all about speed and agility. A quick turnaround on a Thank-You card is not only in good taste, it's also a nice surprise these days. It shows that you have uncommonly astute manners and that you liked the gift so much, you instantly had to write the person to let them know.
• Give it a golden touch. Nothing means more than a handwritten note, no matter how tech-savvy the gift-giver is. Thank-You notes via email are only appropriate in remote situations, including to shifting military personnel, faraway friends, or when urgency is more important than other factors. Otherwise, put your pen to paper.
• No need for frivolity or lies. If you didn't like an item, you don't have to say so...but not sending a Thank-You implies that you not only didn't like an item, but that you also didn't appreciate it. Phrase your wording such that you communicate your appreciation (i.e."Thank you so much for the _____, I really appreciate you thinking of me this holiday season.")
• Be specific. The point of the notes are to express your thanks for something unique, something specific to the individual. It means more when you spell out exactly why you like the item (if you do) or what you plan to do with the item.
• Short and sweet. Thank-You notes don't have to be a thesis statement-- they can be perfectly grateful while still maintaining brevity.

Hope this helps you get started. Just remember how much fun it is to actually receive a handwritten note in the midst of all of the other mail you find in your box each day. Pass on the joy!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina