Making Etiquette Easy: Interviewing Impeccably

 

It may sound odd, but an interview can be much like a first date. Instead of the potential of entering into a relationship with a person, you have the potential to enter into a working relationship with an employer. Like a first date, no initial interview is ever the same. First dates are all about hitting it off, the possibility of a good fit, and seeing yourself together in the future. These same rules also apply to an interview, but obviously in a different context. For instance, you want to make a good impression with your interviewer because s/he could be your future boss; you want the interviewer to feel you would be a great addition to the company and fit in well with the corporate culture and other employees. As importantly, you need to be able to see yourself happily employed with the company in the future. With all of this in mind, here are a few tips to ensure an impeccable (and successful) interview.

-The First Impression. The first five minutes of an interview are crucial. It is your only opportunity to make a great first impression. Start it off right by arriving early; being appropriately dressed; having extra copies of your resume and other appropriate documents on hand; offering a great attitude, and introducing yourself with a firm handshake and a smile.

 -Table Talk. Most interviews start off with small talk which is a perfect time to make a personal connection with your interviewer. Once that winds down though, be prepared to jump right in to answer the tough questions. Many times we are so eager to share our well-practiced “elevator pitch” that we don’t listen to the question(s) being asked. Be an active listener; this is something an employer is typically looking for as well. Throughout the interview, look for certain cues from your interviewer, so you’ll know when you can incorporate comments, key attributes, and relevant experiences. It is also equally as important to prepare your own questions regarding office culture, job expectations, etc. Finally, when the interview comes to a close make sure you exit it with the same amount of energy that you entered with.

-The Follow up. It’s important to always follow up after the interview (even if you don’t want the job). You can do this in two ways. First, send a quick thank you email within 24-48 hours of your meeting; second, send a lengthier handwritten thank you note within a few days.  Not only is this a great personal touch, but it also  provides another opportunity for you to highlight some of the topics you discussed during the interview and briefly elaborate on anything you feel you may have omitted during your in-person visit. 

            Finally, to interview impeccably it is critical that you believe in yourself, so your interviewer will too. You have to believe you are qualified and are the best person for the job at hand. Confidence is palpable and will go a long way in helping to secure your next opportunity!

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Making Etiquette Easy: Email with Ease

We've all been up to our ears in emails before with a daunting number of unread emails growing exponentially each day. The once recognizable and catchy AOL notification, “You’ve Got Mail,” is now a sound of stress and dread. With fast-paced work environments, multiple meetings and many of us adding travel to the mix, it is not uncommon for more than a thousand unread emails to stack up in record time. This can quickly lead to stress if you do not find ways to tackle your email bounty. Try considering the following tips to de-clutter your inbox and email with less stress and more ease.
 

-The appropriate turnaround window for an email is usually 24-36 hours after you having received it. Even if you don't anticipate being able to fully answer an email or question in that set amount of time, consider shooting a quick email back to the sender letting them know you received the email and will have an answer for them soon. Then set a personal deadline to respond. Hint: always do a quick “drive by” of emails in the bottom of your inbox so you don’t miss something…

-Remove yourself from website mailing lists you rarely follow. Today, it is common for websites to require an email address before perusing their site, even if you’re a onetime user. Thus, you are instantly enrolled in their newsletter which is sure to fill your inbox with several emails a day with mostly useless information. Go through you inbox and unsubscribe to all newsletters you feel you can live without. However, after doing this if you still find yourself overwhelmed with mailing list emails, try creating a separate email account devoted to these types of inquiries. This way, you are able to read through them at your leisure without getting in the way of more important emails that require a timely response. 

-Organize your inbox. Every email program gives you the capability to sort emails into folders. Utilize the folder system to create an organizational structure to house your emails. An example of this would be, creating folders ranging in priority/importance, so when it is time for you to answer some of these emails you’ll know what emails need to be taken care of immediately versus the emails that can wait to be addressed later. Consider sorting your emails during the initial pass, so the email will be waiting for you in its respective folder without you giving it a second thought. For critical emails, there is also a flagging function in most email providers that you can use to highlight your most time sensitive emails.
 

 If all else fails, try delegating some of your emails to your employees, as appropriate. This should take some of the pressure off as you manage your inbox. 

   Photo Courtesy of: Geralt

Making Etiquette Easy: Workplace Bullying

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By now, we should all know a thing or two about how social graces can keep us from embarrassing ourselves or others on a daily basis. But have you ever considered, when taken to extremes, a lack of etiquette can be termed bullying? An attitude here or there at the workplace is one thing, but when it starts to become a habitual act, you may be looking for a new job.

• Watch the Intimidation Factor: Many people think that if they create a bit of fear in the office, their employees or coworkers will respect them more. Of course no one wants to feel they can be trampled on, but fanning the flames of intimidation not only makes people uncomfortable, it is also unwarranted bullying.


• Equality for All: Whether unintentional or not, treating some employees differently than others is a gamble you don't want to take. As far as etiquette is concerned, people will notice and feel you are favoring certain individuals. To be fair, you must do what's right in the eyes of all. Things like race, religion, disabilities, or physical characteristics should be virtually invisible to you.


• Be Practical with Practical Jokes: Joking and humiliating creates camaraderie....at Bachelor Parties. The workplace is no place to single someone out, whether it's a bad haircut, a terrible presentation, or a nickname you think is perfect for the individual. It's impossible to predict how sensitively a person will respond to an insult, playful or not.


• Break the Cycle: If you do find you've been particularly hard on one or more employees and not the others, consciously make a choice to break the cycle and stop the behavior. It's never too late to try to make things right, and improved relations are destined in your future.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Foreign Language in the Office

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Thankfully, we live in a country that is welcoming to many different cultures. In America, we pride ourselves on being the proverbial "melting pot." But the language barriers still remain and with those barriers come a few new social nuances. So just what is the best way to handle an office setting with multi-lingual employees?

• Establish a uniform language in the office. This language should be used in dealing with clients and other employees (unless the bilingual person was specifically brought on to speak their native language).
• Fluent multi-lingual employees should refrain from speaking in their native language (if different from the uniform language) while in the work environment except for professional purposes, i.e. you are on the telephone with someone who does not speak the "uniform" office language.
• Two people should never share a conversation in a foreign language in front of other employees (or anyone for that matter) who do not speak that language. This causes others to be suspicious and uncomfortable that what is being said is specifically not intended for them to hear. Also, you never know who may speak the language fluently and can understand conversations meant to be concealed.
• Be sympathetic if you are on the "outside" of a conversation. If you do find yourself in the middle of a foreign conversation, try to be understanding. There's a good chance they mean no harm and are simply enjoying practicing their native language.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: TMI

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We've all heard the phrase, "too much information," or "TMI" for short. It's a blatant overstepping of boundaries when someone decides to reveal or discuss information we would have been just fine not knowing about in the first place. Bathroom humor and specifics about illnesses typically fall into this category. But what about the rest of the "gray" area - stuff that may or may not be that controversial to share - especially with our coworkers who've become like family?

It's almost impossible not to open up and let coworkers in on our lives, especially considering that we spend most of our waking hours, lunches, and sometimes even dinners with this group of folks. Here's our guideline for knowing what information you should and should not volunteer:

• Keep your "game" face on. Decisions about your character, your work ethic, etc. are being judged everyday at work. While you don't always have to have the facade of being perfectly astute and without mistake, everything is taken into consideration when it comes to advancement or promotion. It's hard for a boss or employer to not consider you a risk if, for instance, they're aware of your credit card debt, nasty divorce, or see you crying on a weekly basis because of personal issues.
• Keep your cards close. Many things will unavoidably be shared. For instance, you may be going through a divorce, leaving work for a death in the family, or making frequent trips to the doctor. Since many of these activities take away from your time at work, you can volunteer the reason, just do your best to keep personal details vague. Coworkers can appreciate your honesty without having to go through all the motions with you.
• Don't chat on the clock. If you do feel like confiding and sharing, save it for lunchtime or after work. Outside of the general, "how was your weekend" kind of greeting, you shouldn't be going through your minute-by-minute routine.
• Remember that it's a two-way street. Limit the amount of information you burden on your coworkers (remember, they're not getting paid for this!), but also, don't pry into the lives of others for their personal information.
• Share joys and keep the bummers quiet. As a general rule, if you've got something worth celebrating, like a new birth or wedding announcement, by all means let people know. But if you've got family drama or depressing news, keep it more private. The bummer items are great to take to your local minister or best friends outside of work.
• Finally, if despite all your best efforts, you're just not the type to differentiate between your 'work self' and 'personal self,' know and accept the fact that professional opinions will be formed and taken into account when corporate decisions are made.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Nicknames

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You've got a new coworker in the office who introduces herself to everyone as "Elizabeth." Is it okay to casually drop in a "Liz" here or there? Read on for etiquette rules regarding nicknames, especially in the office:

• The introduction is the trump card. If a person introduces themselves to you as a certain name, than you have to assume that's what they prefer to be called. If not, let them be the one to tell you (i.e. "My name is Kathryn, but you can also call me Kathy.")
• If it troubles you to say someone's full name - or it's challenging to pronounce - you are free to ask if they prefer a nickname. If they say "no," you'll have to figure it out. Otherwise, you may open the door for a more familial relationship, especially if you volunteer a nickname for yourself.
• Never make up or use a name that isn't even associated with the person's name. For example, "Big Boss" or "Queen Bee." These terms can be taken offensively and land you in an HR or legal situation you hadn't bargained for.
• If you are the person whose name has been misused, wait for the next time you are addressed incorrectly and politely say, "Please, I prefer to be called _______." Your coworkers should quickly catch-on.
• Always remember that emotions are a tricky subject, and you never know if you are going to offend someone until it's too late. Be ready to apologize and mentally re-program the correct name into your memory.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Handling Bad Hygiene "and other" Office Odors

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If you work in an office environment, you know about close-quarters with office mates. But this phrase takes on a whole new meaning when you throw in at least one employee who's hygiene and habits are not up to par. Maybe it's body odor, bad breath, heavy perfume or an overall disheveled look. Whatever the case, it can actually be distracting enough to lower the productivity in the office when the person is around. So what's a person to do in this situation?

• If you are a coworker, the best thing you can do is notify your boss politely and privately. Share your concerns about how it's affecting your work and possibly others'. If you're the boss, understand it's your responsibility to handle this situation. If you leave it up to others in the office, they might not be as politically correct which could lead to other problems.
• Don't play blind. If you recognize the smell, know that others do as well. Being proactive about something that is easily fixable is much better than bucking down and ignoring it.
• Be direct. Approach the person one-on-one in a non-confrontational and casual setting. Don't have a 'team meeting' to vaguely discuss hygiene with the office; offenders usually don't know they are in the wrong. The worst thing you can do is drop hints (i.e. giving them gum, toothpaste, etc.) without being fully honest.
• When you do approach the person, use phrases like, "This is a tough conversation to have" and "if it were me, I would want to be told." The key is to focus on the business aspect, not the personal nature of this complaint. Let them know it may be turning off clients or that there are just too many people in the office and every situation is magnified. Let them know that you are addressing this issue for their professional future and growth opportunities.
• Brevity is necessary. Don't linger on the subject. Once you're sure the offender "gets it," let them get back to work. Keep the conversation private and don't share any information with other employees.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Boss-Employee Friendships

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The age-old question of whether or not bosses can be friends with their employees continues to evolve as new mediums of social interaction are established. With a lot of small businesses and even smaller work groups, the lines of obligation v. actual friendship are hard to draw. If you've got employees that you see outside of work frequently, consider the following:

• Stick to your role first: Remember that as a boss, you have to adhere to specific boundaries first and foremost. Because you have more power in the relationship, you must not abuse it for non-work related activities.
• Hierarchy: Since the hierarchy exists, it can be hard sometimes to develop an equal playing field for a friendship. If they happen naturally it's one thing, but don't force it.
• Don't blur the lines: If you begin questioning whether or not your employee likes spending time outside of work with you or not, try to step back and take a break from getting together for non-work related functions.
• Be honest: If you do feel the situation is getting a bit out of hand, talk to your employee(s) about drawing clearer lines between work and play. Let some time pass and only join in only occasionally. It's better to be professional first.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Copycat Coworkers

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If you've ever been considered a 'fashionista' in the office, you've probably experienced your coworkers approaching you to ask where you purchased that top, how much those earrings cost, or who designed your shoes. While imitation may be the greatest form of flattery, it can be quite frustrating to see your coworkers show up within weeks wearing the exact same clothes, thanks to your tips on where to find them. Here's how to dissuade this copy catty-ness:

• Contrary to our very public culture, you don't have to be forthcoming about everything. Since many people just aren't aware of how invasive their questioning can be, it's important that you don't feel badgered into answering, which leaves you without control in the conversation
  
• Instead, respond with things like, "this old thing?" If the item is obviously brand new (as many trend-driven items are) you can communicate that you don't remember where you bought it. These days, many things can be bought second-hand or in vintage shops, where they are one of a kind.
  
• Another great way to redirect the conversation is to suggest places where they sell similar items, so you know you're coworker won't find the exact same article of clothing.
• As far as price quotes are concerned, don't feel that you have to divulge that information, either. Feel free to tell the other party that you'd rather not say, you don't remember, it was a gift, etc.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Cubicles

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For those of you who work in close quarters like cubicle-styled offices, there is a whole new set of rules to abide by. Tensions run high when people don’t feel like they have their own space. Here are a few tips to remember if you’re in a tight spot:

• Avoid the urge to actively eavesdrop. Even though most noise travels pretty well, try not to answer questions if they aren’t being asked of you.
• Be aware of your vocals and keep them low. As your mother would say, use your ‘quiet voice.’ And when you need to talk to your next-door coworker, get up and go to their cube, do not yell over the wall.
• Don’t abuse technology. Speakerphones and music are out of the question. Bring headphones if you want to listen to something and otherwise just plan on contributing to the white noise.
• Cubicles are not private. For private conversations, suggest meeting in a meeting room with a closed door. Do not say anything within a cubicle you wouldn’t wish everyone in the office to know about.
• If you’d like to speak with someone, always ask if you can come into his or her space. Don’t surprise them. When a person stands or begins walking towards the entrance of the cubicle, that is your cue to politely exit.
• Munch lightly. If you have to eat at your desk, make sure you aren’t eating anything with a pungent aroma that will carry over the cubes.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Elevators

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They go up and down but the rules never change. Elevator etiquette is something anyone should have, especially if you’re a businessperson. We interface with our peers everyday on elevators, and one bad move there may translate to a lack of professionalism elsewhere. Here are some tips for riding right:

• Exit First: Always let outgoing passengers get off prior to entering the elevator. Most people understand this, but remarkably fewer actually do it.
• Don’t be Lazy: If you’ve only got one or two floors to travel and you’re in reasonably good shape, take the stairs. It can be aggravating for passengers who still have thirty floors to go and they have to stop twice for your quick in and out.
• Hold the Door: If you notice someone’s trying to make the elevator, hold the door for them. If you’ve been holding the door for a short bit waiting on colleagues or friends, don’t be disrespectful to the people already in the carriage and let your colleagues catch the next ride.
• Be Sick Solo: If you’re not well, wait for an empty carriage to arrive before getting on and contaminating others with your illness
• Keep your Space: People get very uncomfortable in elevators, which is only exacerbated by people getting too close to one another. Try to stay equidistant between passengers.
• Don’t expect someone to push your button for you. Once you’ve pushed yours, you should ask if you can hit a number for the other passengers, but don’t expect them to do it for you.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: When Your Boss Turns on You

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If you work in a large corporation where there are several layers in the reporting structure, chances are you won't win everyone over with just hard work and a smile. Sometime for no apparent reason, it may seem as if a "higher up" has it 'out for you.' If you find yourself in the middle of mid-meeting attacks, rude emails, and public humiliation, it could be that you're entering the business arena as a potential threat to his or her status. Here's what to do:

• Don't take it personal: Analyze the situation honestly to determine if you are under performing or not carrying your weight on your team. If so, use this as a time to modify and perfect your workplace behaviors.
• Don't fold: If it's getting hot and the pressure is on, don't quit. Look at this situation as an opportunity for growth, and a challenge to overcome. Quitting is only enabling your boss to believe that fear and unfair treatment are the most effective way to manage. I've seen many people come out on the other side if they don't give up. Besides, if they really wanted to fire you, they will. And, a decent severance package can help heal the pain.
  
• Time trial: No one can be subject to these ego-blows forever. Pretty soon, the chances of the boss finding someone new to pick on will be pretty good- especially if you show no signs of reprise. On the other hand, if you are experiencing inner-office cruelty for extended periods of time, it might be appropriate to visit Human Resources.
  
• Find affirmation: The only thing that can hurt you from this experience is if you let the harsh words or actions affect your work. Find affirmation in things outside of work and continue to be confident in what you do.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Smoke Signals

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For those of us who are non-smokers, it can be hard to be around a habit that we disagree with and genuinely find unpleasant. When we're trying to enjoy a nice meal on a restaurant patio, it can be hard to decipher the taste of the food from the noxious smell. Or when we're interviewing employees (or even babysitters), it can be hard to jump right in after smelling "the habit" on someone's clothes or breath. So where's the line in discussing someone's personal habit in terms of work and social life?

• If you're in a public place that allows smoking, there isn't really much you can do. The best way to handle a close-quarters situation is to politely relocate.
• If you're in a place where smoking isn't permitted, by all means you should approach the establishment owner or staff to request they put the kibosh on the cigarette smoke filtering your way; you shouldn't have to exchange words with the smoking patron.
• While it is not politically correct to judge someone in an interview by their personal habits, it is your right to discuss how many workday breaks are acceptable, a code of hygiene for client interactions, etc. These things tend to be the largest issues with employees who smoke.
• When you want to address a smoking situation for personal reasons (i.e. babysitters, family visiting your home, etc), feel free to make it clear that you really value the person but dislike the habit. In your own home, you are allowed to set house boundaries, especially when it affects those you love.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy:Responding to Job Applicants

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We've covered topics about how to conduct proper business etiquette when being interviewed as a candidate, but there is a whole other side to the interviewing table--the employer. In today's digital age, the image you project and the way you handle job queries and applicants can have widespread effects on how the company is perceived by many.

· Make it Personal. For as impersonal as many company job application sites are, it is important for any applicant to feel like they will be able to connect with a real person during the process. If at all possible, provide a name for the applicant to address their resume/CV to, even if the email account is generic (i.e. info@________.com).

· Be clear about job expectations & requirements. When posting jobs online, it’s your company’s responsibility to be upfront and clear about job expectations and requirements prior to receiving submissions. The more specific you are in the description, the smoother the process.

· Always respond to an inquiry. One of the biggest downfalls of online applications for candidates is the uncertainty that their materials have even been received. If you anticipate a large volume of applicants, the first item of protocol is to ensure that you at least have an automated response letting applicants know their materials have been received. If possible, the most professional measure is to send individual emails to candidates, whereby you can notify them ‘personally’ that you will be considering them or keeping their resume on file.

· Be flexible with interview schedules. When you do decide to take your pick out of the crop of resumes and begin the interview process, make sure you are understanding of their time constraints. Don’t expect someone to be able to come in on the same-day and be willing to work around his or her current job schedule. As bad as they want the job, it may be impossible for them to get to your office for a same day interview.

· Allow the Interviewee to ask questions. Many employers can get wrapped up in the interview process, treating it like a company presentation. Make sure to engage the interviewer and ask relevant questions that allow both of you to see where they would fit into the company picture and what kind of partnership this might form.

· Follow up on interviews. Unfortunately, I’ve heard far too many stories of candidates going in for one or more interviews, only to be left hanging afterwards. It’s vital to a company’s reputation to, at the very least, let a candidate know the position has been filled or that they are not being selected for the role. This not only shows your proactive care for potential employees, but also frees you up from getting continuous calls about the status of an individual’s application.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Coffee Shop Business

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These days, coffee shops are the quintessential 'out of office' meeting place and many home office-based consultants consider it their "flex office." If you've been to your local coffee house lately, you've witnessed what I'm describing. You're bound to find several business folks

typing on keypads, chatting on cell-phones, and sipping on the latest espresso creation. For those who do spend a good chunk of their day at the nearest corner shop, be sure to remember some responsible coffee house etiquette:

• Point of Sale: The first order of business when you enter a retail location, even if they offer free wi-fi, is to prove your patronage. Even if your purchase is small, it counts as your ticket to politely occupy space. As a rule of thumb, at least one out of every two people in a group should purchase something.
• Single Seating: If you're sitting (working) alone, be sure to seek out the smallest area of space. If there is a free seat next to a window bar or even a two-seater, always choose this option over seating that is meant for a larger group. If your only option is a larger table, be aware of other customers looking for seats and offer to share your space.
• Watch the Clock: While you're welcome to come anytime during business hours, a coffee shop should not be your primary place of work. Be sure to acknowledge the staff and not wear out your welcome, both things that will pay off in the long run.
• Beware of the Broadband: Make sure you're not draining the internet energy out of the room by downloading video's or hosting online video conferences. Keep everyone up to speed by working on basic documents and emails.
• Use your "Inside" Voice: Make sure the volume is off on your computer so that you aren't a distraction to other patrons and if you need to take a call, keep your decibel level to a minimum.
• Clean Up: Always be mindful to return chairs and clean up your work area/coffee when you are ready to leave.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Business Over Friendship

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If you've been an established professional for a while, you probably have friends that span a full spectrum of career fields. So if you need IT help, an interior designer, a real estate agent, financial services, or any other major service, you have friends who are top of mind. And you consider yourself to be their first call should they require services from your industry. But if you find out that they sought someone else out without notifying you, what do you do?

• Be professional over emotional: The best thing you can do is maintain professionalism in how you handle the situation. Treat it as if it were a client who chose another firm. Yes, it's frustrating, but understand that it probably wasn't an easy choice for the other party as well.
• Learn from it: Use this situation as a learning opportunity to find out more. Suggest that the two of you go to lunch and casually bring up that you know they selected another person for the job. Let them know you'd like to better your business and ask what it would take to be more appropriate for their needs in the future.
• Don't hold a Grudge or Payback: Do your best to let it go. If you do require a service they provide in the future, you are free to use them or not. They've made their professional decisions clear and you are invited to do the same. Don't muddy their name or refuse to give them business as a result of something unrelated to your friendship.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Private Conversations

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We were taught at a young age that whispering is rude, especially when done in front of others. As it turns out, this policy more or less remains true throughout our professional life. Being hush hush while blatantly being visible to other coworkers spells a recipe for disaster by creating mystery and potential concern. Here are some rules when it comes to ‘keeping your cards close’ conversations:

• Avoid public places for private conversations. This is the bottom line. If you are somewhere public, you risk someone overhearing you. Do not have private conversations in restrooms, open-air cubicles, or near the water cooler. It’s exclusive in a taunting way and can undermine your professionalism with perceived childish behavior.
• Protect your digital conversations. Anything you send on company email can be traced by even a halfway competent IT specialist. This includes reviews, promotions, etc. If it’s an important and confidential document, print it out and send it via hard mail. This also goes for any chatting servers you use.
• Private means just that. If you have a private business matter to discuss in regard to work issues, take it behind closed doors. Be professional and keep it as succinct as possible. There's nothing that starts rumors faster than an office door that's shut for an unusual amount of time with key players exiting an hour later. Timing is key, so be mindful of having a meeting that requires a closed door.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Maternity

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If you work at a company with women from all stages of life, odds are that you will eventually have personal contact with a soon-to-be mom. If you are a woman yourself, it’s easy to believe you know exactly what it’s like for that person, but everyone deals with these kind of events differently. Especially when you’re in the workplace, be sure to abide by these general rules so you don’t unintentionally cross any boundaries.

• If you’re not sure, don’t say anything. Sure, you may have worked with her for the last two years and you are certain that she’s never gained weight like this, but don’t assume she’s pregnant or ask just based off of hypothesis. If a woman is pregnant, wait until she is ready to announce it before mentioning it.
• Refrain from commenting on eating habits or weight: Chances are that you’ll notice a few changes in your pregnant coworker, including her eating habits and her body shape/weight. Even though it’s a natural part of life, refrain from talking about food or weight as they can make even a secure (non hormonal) person uncomfortable.
• Don’t touch the stomach: Whatever you do, it is completely unacceptable to touch a woman’s stomach in the workplace. It may be something you do often when your sister is pregnant, but touching a person’s stomach is a very personal manner. Even if it doesn’t offend the one who is pregnant, it can certainly make for an awkward situation in the office.
• If you attend a shower, bring a gift. If you participate in a workplace baby shower, be sure to bring a gift as well. If you are not close with the soon-to-be mom, still invest in something off of her registry or a gift card.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Chivalry

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Today’s business chivalry no longer makes a clear distinction for the way men should behave towards women and visa versa. And while chivalry is quickly changing with the tides, it is being replaced with a more all-encompassing gender-free idea of courtesy and helping people who truly have need. Here are some things to remember about chivalry in a business environment:

• Get the Door: Traditionally, it was only considered proper for men to hold the door for women. Today, whoever happens to be in the lead of a group is expected to open the door and hold it for everyone to enter. (Though most gentlemen will insist a woman walk through a doorway before them.)
• Foot the Bill: Men have almost always paid for meals in the past. These days, whomever does the inviting or organizing is considered the host and should pick up the tab for all invited guests.
• Putting on Coats: While in the past, men would assist women in preparing for the elements, though it is not obligatory for either gender to aid in this act any longer. Unless someone is having trouble, it’s acceptable to let everyone take care of their own coat.
• Stand at Attention: Men were expected to stand every time a female entered the room, even if she was returning from the restroom. Today, it is considered respectful to stand when greeting a client or superior of either gender and I personally think it is very considerate for a man to stand when a woman returns to the table or enters the room for the first time, though not required.
• Pulling out the Chair: While this chivalrous act is still very much alive in the dating culture, it should be vetoed for business. If someone requires assistance, they will let you know.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Business Call Distractions

Image from Veer.com

Since time and distance doesn’t always allow for face-to-face conversations, phoning someone on a business call is the next best thing. And while sometime you might be making calls from outside of the office - from your hotel room while on business travel or home with a sick child -there are a few things to remember about being professional on a call:

• Refrain from Eating: Not only is it hard to understand someone while their chewing, but even the most discreet chewers can be distracting. If you notice someone on the other end of the call is eating, you have every right to mention that ‘it sounds like it’s not the best time’ and offer to call them back later. (You could even say in a surprised tone, "are you eating right now?"
• Do not run water (i.e cleaning dishes, etc): Even if you are simply being efficient by cleaning up last night’s dinner mess or wiping down the counters, it’s not very obvious what you are doing from the other end. It’s best not to raise suspicions about inappropriate "restroom" behavior while on the phone.
• Sit up: It makes a world of difference whether you are sitting or laying down during a conversation. The person on the other end of the line can detect this by your less-alert state of mind. Be sure to keep your energy high and voice clear.
• Move away from distractions: Do your best not to keep the television on low or even muted. Any kind of distraction can keep you from being as professional as possible.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina