Making Etiquette Easy: Email and Text Misfires... Tackling the Unintended Consequences

                Have you ever sent or received an email that was intended for someone else?  In our fast-paced professional and social environments, technology has provided us with several tools that encourage rapid communication.  On second glance, perhaps we rely too heavily on auto-fill or are too quick to send a text without verifying that it is being sent to the intended.  Take a minute, okay a few seconds, to consider next steps should you find yourself in this scenario.

 

                -Sending emails or texts to the wrong person. There’s nothing worse than that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hit send and the recipient was not who you intended it to be.  As soon as you realize you have made the error, take responsibility immediately by following up with a phone call or direct email to the unintended recipient.  Apologize for the error and ask that they kindly ignore your email or text.  In a work setting, depending on the sensitivity of the email or text content, you may also need to loop in your boss and/or the legal team, so corrective action can be taken. Just remember to accept the possible consequences, address them as best you can, and move forward having learned from the experience.

                -Receiving emails or texts intended for someone else. Those who send emails or texts to unintended recipients may not immediately realize their error. No action is necessary from you should you find yourself on the receiving end of a misfire, but as a courtesy, it doesn’t hurt to send a polite email letting the sender know that you have received their email and believe it was intended for someone else. This way, they are alerted of their mistake and can get the email or text to the appropriate person.  I received a “rogue” email recently, and to avoid further embarrassment for the sender (it was a group email), I called and left a gracious message to make him aware of the mistake.  

                -Make it a habit to always double check. Always make it a habit to review emails every time prior to hitting send, whether you are distributing a corporate-wide confidential memo or confirming your weekend plans with a close friend.  Taking a few extra minutes to double check the “to” line can prevent these particular mishaps and is the only way to save you from heart burn every time.

 

                It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, and rush through simple tasks such as emailing.  Most of the time communication misfires will cause nothing more than minor embarrassment; however, they can have the potential to cause serious damage or consequences, especially in work scenarios.  Think of it as having an internal pause button… push it before hitting send.

 Photo Courtesy of nvtrlab

Making Etiquette Easy: Organizing Outrageously Overloaded Calendars

 

These days it doesn’t take much to feel overrun by busy schedules and bulging calendars that seem to beg for more hours in a day. I don’t know about you, but I have a “master” calendar where I meticulously record all commitments in pencil (I know, it’s old school, but it works) and then I have my computer Outlook and iPhone calendars.  As I’m sure you can relate, having too many calendars can lead to double booking and over-committed days.  Here are some tips on how to organize multiple calendars and ultimately stop calendar madness:

 

                -Choose a primary calendar and sync it up to your devices.  It’s really wise to choose a calendar program you use frequently and have constant access to, such as Outlook. Once you’ve done that, go through each of your existing calendars and import important dates to assure that everything is in one place. As I mentioned, I keep a hard copy of my calendar (it’s my constant companion) as a reference and always use a pencil, as dates and appointments tend to shift on short notice.

                -Color code your calendars for different portions of your life. If you are a busy professional (like pretty much everyone I know!) and like to stay as organized as possible, you can color code your calendars to denote different categories of events. For example, I use different colors for work, our daughter’s schedule, family events, and social events.  This method has really helped me stay on track with my calendar and maintain that elusive healthy work/life balance.

                -Share your calendars. As technology has evolved, we now have the ability to share our calendars with others. My husband and I share calendars so we can both can make calendar additions or changes, and remain on the same page regarding family events and work commitments. As we both juggle our careers and family life, this has helped us to stay organized and avoid what we call “the double book.”

 

                Our schedules and calendars can get out of hand very quickly, so taking these few simple steps to get organized will help avoid feeling overwhelmed by that over-committed monster of a calendar. 

Making Etiquette Easy: Pigskin and Pleasantries

Fall is a special time of year as the temperatures begin to cool down and nature’s beauty shifts from shades of green to red, gold, and brown. In the South and especially in Texas, you also have the arrival of football season. Football season is characterized as a three month span with Friday nights focused on high school football games, Saturdays devoted to college football games, and Sundays and Mondays to the National Football League. Even though it sounds like football is the main event, it equally shares that title with socializing at tailgates and backyard barbeques. As this “season” kicks off (no pun intended), there are certain “rules of engagement” and pleasantries one must consider when attending and/or hosting one of these functions.
 

-Properly organizing a tailgate or barbeque. If you’re a busy guy or gal, there are several easy ways you can organize a winning event without having to spend all week planning for game day. First and thankfully, tailgates and barbeques are typically casual events where appetizers or simple menus are the norm. They can offer the perfect occasion to host a potluck come-and-go. Most folks don’t want to come empty handed, so offer suggestions to guests regarding what they can bring, whether it’s their favorite appetizer or a tasty side to go with the main dish. If you don’t have time to cook, you can order take-out from your favorite restaurant or pick up some great pre-made items from Central Market (for those of us in Texas) or other gourmet grocers. Also keep the event venue in mind, i.e.; will there be a microwave or stove top to warm your items or do you need to bring items that don’t require additional heating. Finally, if you’re willing to spend the big bucks, there are several catering companies for backyard barbeques and party rental companies that have tailgating packages, so you can pregame and postgame in style and not have to worry about set up, cleanup, or anything in between.  (Now that’s what I’m talking about…)

-Always offer to bring something if you’re not the host or hostess. Even though these are more casual affairs, offering to bring food or drinks to the event is always a courteous thing to do even if you know your host doesn’t need any additional assistance. Depending on the formality of the event, bringing tasty additions can sometime serve as a host or hostess gift. Also remember that if you have a specific beverage preference, bring it along for personal enjoyment in addition to what you are bringing to share.

-If you plan to bring guests, always speak to the host or hostess first. Backyard barbeques and tailgates can grow exponentially in the blink of an eye which can result in the host/hostess running out of food and refreshments early. Therefore, it’s very important to consult with your host/hostess a few days before the event if you plan to bring a plus one, so they can plan accordingly. If you are bringing guests, always bring extra food or drink with you as well, so you can accommodate for their consumption.  
 

            Football season is a fun and eventful season, and there are some great pleasantries you can extend at these events to better enjoy the passing of the pigskin.

For fun tailgating ideas, check out our Pinterest Page!

Photo Courtesy of: tpsdave

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!

Photo Courtesy of OpenClips

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: Curse Words

Image from The Crack Team

Bleep! A little slip here and there never seemed to kill anyone, but curse words can be the spoiler de jour in your professional life if you're not careful. Whether it's for camaraderie, out of emotion, or just a bad habit, it can really be a curse (pun intended). Here are some situations you should consider...and then add removing curse words from your vocabulary to this weeks to-do list:

• In the Office: With more than 250,000 words in the English language, exercising one of the 12 or so"dirty" words doesn't say much to compliment your intelligence, let alone get your message across with additional clarity. Not only that, but you don't know the moral DNA of every single person in your office, and your words may be not only offensive but divisive. Remember, if you're trying to effectively communicate a message, swear words distract and dilute the meaning.
  


• Via Email: Never include curse words in email content. For the same reason that you should never put anything in email that you don't want blasted to the world, curse words in emails come off as juvenile and immature. And besides, you'll never be able to revoke your misstep.
  


• On Social Media: Even if you manage to tame your tongue in the office, it doesn't give you license to go wild on the internet. Employees, potential business partners, clients, and children are able to see what you project about yourself. And while you may think it's funny, not everyone shares the same humor. The same goes people who post these words to your pages- delete them. Many people have been chastised or fired for the content on their non-professional pages.
  


• The bottom line is that there are so many differing opinions about swearing that it's best to be conservative. This way, you won't offend anyone. And chances are, you'll gain more respect for keeping things politically correct. The short of it: Button It Up Butter Cup!

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Restaurant Goers

Image from Sigsiv

Many of us eat out on a fairly regular basis, if not most nights of the week. With so much frequent dining, it can be easy to forget "what your momma taught ya" when it comes to table manners. Here are a few forget-me-nots (mom will be so proud!):

• Split it upfront: If you want to have separate checks, be sure to request them upfront, before ordering any drinks or food. This will help expedite the checkout process for you and the waiter.
• When you're waiting: It's okay to order beverages before the rest of your party arrives, but not food. When a new mate joins you, be sure to notify the waiter so that they can take their drink order.
• Wait until your ready: If you haven't had a chance to look over the menu or make your final selections, don't let the waiter linger. Let them know you need some more time to decide. The social cue that you are ready to order is leaving your menu closed on the table.
• Choose your course: Remember that not everyone in the group has to order the same number of courses. It's okay to order an appetizer, even if your co-diner doesn't want to order one. However, if you're ordering an appetizer in lieu of a main course, ask that it come out with the other entrees.
• Sharing: If you decide to split a single entree (we do this often due to the large portions being served these days), be sure to bump up the tip. Remember, the waiter would've received a higher tip if you had ordered more than one meal. Also ask that they plate the food on two plates for you before bringing it to the table.
• Think before you order: If you plan on chatting away while eating, you might want to order something that is conversation-friendly. Picking apart crab claws or crawfish might make conversing more awkward... and a little messy.

Making Etiquette Easy, Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy:How to Respond When You're Not Sure

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We all know the situation well...that terribly awkward silence that ensues when someone asks something for which you should know the answer. Whether you're a professional who needs to brush up on your "stuff" or an interviewee who's caught like a deer in the headlights, everyone should know the social graces to get around the stammering, uncomfortable silence, and (heaven forbid) temptation to lie.

Follow these rules to appear you're prepared, even when you really aren't:

• Do not lie. No matter how large the conundrum; do not fabricate a response. Doing so could single-handedly ruin your reputation, or, what's left of it since you clearly didn't have the right answer. Resist all urges to pull together something 'smart,' since most folks can detect an insincere or "made-up" response from miles away.
• Pause, but don't quiver for long. It is perfectly appropriate for you to pause and collect yourself, especially to recall bullet point number one. However, after a short lull, you should be prepared to face the questioner and provide them with some semblance of a response. Staying silent will only cause confusion and embarrassment for both parties.
• Confess or redirect the conversation. Depending on the scenario, it may be best for you to respond with a "that's a great question." If you are unsure of the answer, but feel that you could seek it out through research, a colleague, or that the answer will be made known in the near future, offer to get back to the person.
• Be articulate but not political. Try not to let your nerves get the best of you. Say what you need to say to evacuate the situation in a politically correct manner, and then leave the topic in the dust. There's humility in being able to laugh and poke fun at your own shortcomings.
• Learn from these "what in the world just happened" moments. As soon as you are able, research your answer and rehearse how you could respond differently next time. While you can't know it all, at least you will be better prepared should the same topic arise in the future.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: Addressing Questionable Baby/Pet/House-sitters

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When someone enters your home, be it to guard the house, the lives of your children, or entertain your pets, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. You're placing your trust in an individual to treat your house or your family with utmost respect, but you never really know for sure (unless you install camera's) what goes on when you're gone. It's important to trust your instincts; if you think someone is not doing a good job, follow this plan:

• Always remember you are the boss. Set clear expectations, in writing if possible, and make sure to review everything thoroughly with potential sitters. If you get an inkling that they are not at all interested or paying attention to the seriousness of your notes or discussion, you can politely let them know that someone else will be handling it. (You need not disclose who, since you probably have yet to find someone).
• Ask Questions. You have every right to ask questions about how the days or weeks went. Since your pets and small children -or even the walls of your house- cannot give accurate updates, each sitter should be prepared to give an account for their time.
• Drop-In's are Alright. If you do have a suspicion, you can always go home and pick up something you 'forgot.' Especially with small children, this will bring you some peace of mind to know that the sitter is doing their job. If they aren't or you feel a red flag, you can call it an early night right then and there. Paying the sitter the full rate early is a small price to pay for your loved ones' and homes' safety.
• Don't Make the Same Mistake Twice. If you do find that the person responsible was acting irresponsibly (throwing parties in your house, forgetting to feed the dog, ignoring the kids, etc.), let them know that you won't be asking them back. And no matter how desperate you may be - don't ask them back!
• Be Truthful in your Recommendations. Neighbors or friends may ask about using your babysitter, house-sitter, or pet-sitter. Without spreading town gossip, you can simply say you don't recommend so-and-so, and leave it at that. People will be grateful for your honesty, and will hopefully feel more inclined to be the same way in the future.
  

Making Etiquette Easy: A New Year at the Gym

Image from Lose Fat Gain Muscle

You've already read our initial rules for Gym Etiquette, but we've got a few more to share with you this time around. Since it is January, a month when gym memberships and usage typically jump up about 20 percent thanks to New Years' resolutions, it's the perfect time to get into the sweat and grime of some creative newbie- and veteran- mistakes. Thank you, WSJ, for reminding us of these hazards:

• Technology Shutdown: We all know (don't we?) that it's rude to talk on your cell phone while using exercise equipment. If you need to make a call - step out, and forfeit your machine. But you should also know that even having your phone on (awkward yoga class interruption, anyone?) or playing your own remix of tunes from your speakerphone are not cool.
• Salt & Water: Always wipe down your machines. Even if you didn't feel a mist, it's only right. And don't hog the water fountains, or -gasp - spit in them. These are fueling stations, not the bathroom.
• Machine Thieves: Since most gyms are like a cattle call this time of year, you can expect lines tens of people deep waiting on the machines. Don't be the person who walks up to an open one without checking the list first. Also know, it's not appropriate to sign your friends up for classes or machines if they aren't present.
• Knowing your place: If you've never tried a certain class - i.e. yoga or Pilate's, make sure to take your place in the back of the room if at all possible. This enables you to observe and learn, while not being a wobbly distraction to a very 'focused' practice.
• Be on the Lookout for Personal Trainers: Personal Trainers are everywhere. Make sure to check with them if you are about to use those extra dumbbells on the floor - or maybe that mat. Since trainers work in circuits, it can be easy to mistake an accessory as not being used, when really it is.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Shot Gunning the Front Seat

Image from RC-Trucks

For those of you who have kids - primarily teenagers for that matter- you know all about calling dibs on the front seat of the car. With family in town over the holidays, it seemed everyone was calling shot gun (even the adults!). It's in all of our natures to be a little self-serving when it comes to preferential seating, especially if it's going to be a long journey. And, there are some of us who get car sick in the back seat, but that's another story.

Here are a few guidelines to automotive seating graces:

• Hold Back: As hard as it may be for the go-getters in us, let others get into the car before you. Even if this means letting everyone else have choice seating, your patience will be noted.
• Age Matters: In the seating hierarchy, all grandparents or elderly should be offered the best seats in the car. This usually means the passenger seat or bucket seats immediately behind it, closest to the doors.
• Back of the Bus: All children should be seated in the back. Not only is this for their safety, but it certainly makes their appreciation for moving up a row something to celebrate years down the road.
• Take Turns: If you've got an unruly crowd, the best thing to do is to rotate. If it's your own family, you can make a chart. If there are multiple guests, invite the one who wasn't sitting up front on the way there to sit up front on the way back.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Basic Bathroom Etiquette

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It used to be that the restroom served on purpose, but these days it’s become a feeding ground for ill-mannered folks to feel like they can get away with a few more things than usual. So, we’re going back to the basics and taking a look at some bathroom etiquette, and for some of us, “laws of the ladies lounge.”

• Hall Pass: Remember when you used to have to take a large wooden peg with you to the restroom in school? Teachers started this when students began abusing their liberty of using the facilities. Instead, they would wander the halls and dilly-dally. The same thing has been happening in the workplace. Don’t abuse the privilege for reapplying makeup all day or wasting time.
• Always wash your hands and clean your mess. Of course we all know that the little metal handle is intended to be pushed, but too many people don’t follow-through on their flush. Be courteous to those coming in after you and make sure the stall is as neat or neater than when you left. If there is no toilet paper left, either replace it or alert maintenance. Always wash your hands.
• Pay attention when you enter the restroom. You may be in a huge hurry to go, but you should check underneath stalls (ladies) to see which ones are occupied. Pushing doors with flimsy locks can only lead to embarrassment for both parties.
• Respect your neighbor’s privacy. If there is only one other person in the restroom, try not to take the stall directly next to them. In the same light, do not carry on (or try to carry on) conversation with coworkers while in the bathroom. If you came together, whoever is finished should wait outside for the other person.
• Don’t call people from the restroom. Unfortunately this has become all too common these days. Using your cell phone in this private place creates anxiety for others who are in the restroom to use it, not to chat. Respect this policy and let people know you will call them back in a few minutes.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Makeup in Public

Image from www.veer.com

As a businesswoman, it can be easy not to think twice about retouching my makeup whenever I see a need. Like most women, I'd like to think I look my best at all times, or at least presentable. So what's to stop me from doing so?

If you're with a close friend , these rules need not apply. But if you are in public, make sure you follow the basic beauty hygiene etiquette:

• Draw the line with lipstick. If you're sitting at a dinner table or bar, the only thing you should be reapplying is lip gloss or lipstick, seeing as you can typically get away with this without the use of a mirror. Another option is a small lipstick case with a built-in mirror as it offers the opportunity for a quick teeth check (smile) while also allowing you to apply lipstick at the same time.
• Be efficient. Don't set up any kind of beauty stand, mini-mirror, or bring out your entire makeup case (though I have probably done this a time or two after a long flight - guilty). The key is to exercise discretion and to hastily perform any touch-ups needed.
• Slip into the Ladies Room. If you need to apply powders, concealers, bronzers, mascara, or eyeliner, it's best to do these things behind closed doors. The residue of these items can be unappealing to your fellow guests or diners. If you can't be in the privacy of your own home, the women's room of any venue will do.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Sharing a Ride

Image from www.thedailygreen.com

Every once in a while, we’re going to have to ask for a ride. Whether it’s car trouble, a close-call departing flight, a sprained ankle or the dealership doesn't have a loaner while your car is being repaired. And since we’ve all been called to help someone out by playing chauffeur for the day, we should all feel comfortable following a few guidelines for sharing a ride on a friend or coworkers’ wheels:

• Be Prompt: If you ask to be picked up at a certain time, you should be ready at that time. No one likes to burn fumes outside of your house waiting to take you where you need to go. Remember, they are doing you a favor.
• Have Directions: Always be over-prepared and bring directions. Even though you think the driver surely knows your destination, it’s better to be on the safe side and not cause any misdirected frustrations.
• Offer to pay for Gas/Snacks: If your ride is extensive, you should certainly offer to pay the driver gas money, offer to buy them Starbucks, or take them to lunch on another day. The price you are paying is much less than if you had taken a cab.
• Make Polite Conversation: It is very uncomfortable to ride in a car with a silent partner. If you know the person well, this likely won’t be an issue.
• Let the Driver be in Control: Even if you loathe the music that is playing on the stereo, do your best to ignore it. The person behind the wheel is doing you a favor and you are obliged to follow their lead. This includes biting your tongue if you dislike the way they drive. If it becomes a persistent problem, you might consider asking someone else for a ride in the future.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Basic Airline Etiquette

Image from www.realsimple.com

Whether you're a regular business traveler or it's your first time flying, most of us will wind up at the airport and on a plane at some point. And though very regimented, airports (and TSA) seem to continuously bring about new rules and regulations when it comes to flying. Here are the most important things to remember about your boarding, in-flight, and exit experience with your favorite air carrier:

• Limit your luggage. Pay attention to the size restrictions and don't be the one 'pushing' your luck at the counter with over-sized luggage. When it is time to get on the plane with your conservative-sized carry-on, walk with the bag in front of you down the aisle, as slinging it over your shoulder can cause you to accidentally bump folks as you make your way to your seat. (I've been knocked in the head a number of times by careless "over the shoulder" large bag carriers - ouch.)
• Store your bag directly above you in the overhead compartment or at your feet. Do not store your bags in a front bin for a quick exit; this means someone else will have to put their bag further back and wait for several rows to depart before they can even get to their baggage. If you need to move someone else's belongings, be sure to ask.
• Sit in your assigned seat until it's obvious what seats are open. If you wish to switch, it's rude (and should be somewhat embarrassing) to already be sitting in someone else's seat. Be understanding when others ask to switch with you to be near someone else- these favors may need to be returned someday.
• Remember to be courteous to your fellow travelers. Make sure you aren't hitting them if you lean your seat back. And don't force conversation on someone who might want to just relax. If you are working in-flight, keep everything directly in front of you and don't allow your in-air office to spread to another person's area. If someone next to you is working, do not look over their shoulder to read information.
• Keep the aisles open. Try not to have 'business meetings' with coworkers during a flight. You never know if the competition could be listening, and it's very disruptive to other passengers.
• Make sure not to get up while the flight attendants are walking with the beverage carts, it slows everybody down. When it's time to exit the plane, wait your turn and don't stand in the aisle until it's your turn to exit. It's makes for a better experience for everyone - including you.

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: The Gym

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While some of us get up early to get our morning calories burning, others find that the best way to clear your mind and get that second burst of workday energy is to get some exercise over a lunch break. Either way, gyms are always a buzzing place of people, and there are right and wrong ways to handle gyms as professionally as you do your job. Next time you grab your sneakers, remember these things:

• Wear Appropriate Gear: Ladies, this does not mean a sports bra. Men, this does not mean white cotton shorts! Be sure to dress in a way that doesn’t distract someone from the heavy and dangerous machinery they may be lifting. If it’s a corporate gym, you should be all the more cautious to maintain professionalism.
• Monitor Your Time: It can irritate your coworkers if you get a two hour lunch break simply because you are adding a workout to your day. Make sure that you watch the clock and be respectful of your office mates. You should also watch the clock when attending gyms that have maximum workout times by machine.
• Utilize the Cleaning Supplies: After each workout station, be sure to wipe down after yourself. Yes, there is a lot of sweat in a gym, but you needn’t be exposed to anyone else’s on accident.
• Quiet the Chit Chat: Gyms typically are used for results, not social interaction, and should be respected as such. A part from the occasional pre and post aerobic class catch-ups, it’s best to let people focus. If someone is trying to talk to you mid-workout, feel free to let them know that you’d love to catch up, but can’t concentrate on both activities at the same time.
• Locker Room Smarts: Many people are mortified to run into others they know while in their unmentionables. The best practice is to wait to carry on any conversation until out of the locker room. Also, cell phone usage tends to make people nervous as most phones are equipped with picture mail features, so leave it locked up!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Gas Stations

Image from www.energyprogram.net

Most of us take a trip to the gas station every week or so, unless we’re a part of a modernized group of individuals who have gone ‘green’ and prefer the hybrid. It can be baffling to find that so many people do not know how to manage themselves or their cars while attempting to fill up their tanks. For the efficiency and safety of everyone in a nearby radius, here are a few tips to remember next time you’re running on ‘E’:

• Wait your turn: There’s no sense in driving around the line to the opposite side in an attempt to snub someone from the other direction. It only causes those who are even less patient than you to let their true colors shine.
• Pull up to the farthest pump: Even though there is one pump open closer to you, it’s polite to pull ahead and leave space for the next person, and it also eliminates the chance of anyone getting side-swiped by someone insisting on getting to the pump in front of you.
• Check your wallet first: Searching for the cash that you actually didn’t bring, or trying all of your credit cards until one goes through is an inconvenience to those around you and to the sales staff. Always be prepared!
• Stop Everything: Though it may seem like common sense, you’re attention is needed at gas stations. No cigarettes, cell phones, or loud music. All of these are literal hazards and can cause you not to pay attention to important messages, let alone the endangerment of those around you.
• Pull Forward: If you have a last minute urge to grab a Mountain Dew from inside the convenience store, make sure you pull into a parking space and don’t leave your car in front of a pump when there’s no reason.
• Be Courteous: Always be courteous to the gas station staff. Indicate which pump you used and wait for them to process the transaction; hurrying this along can result in miscommunication and paying for the wrong pump—meaning you have technically left without paying.

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: Shopping Madness

After hearing from many friends and family what a zoo Black Friday was (I said no to shopping that day), I thought I'd share my thoughts about being a considerate shopper. We do still have 27 shopping days before Christmas. So, imagine, you are standing in your favorite electronics store with another stranger who also observes that there is only one DVD player left on the "red light special." Do you flip a coin, start a DVD player tug-o-war or offer to let them have it? (I know, that's a hard one.) Here are some suggestions next time you find yourself in a similiar situation:
· If there are not enough items to go around and too many shoppers, do your best to take the minimum of what you need. If it’s not possible to subdivide the items (like a DVD player or turkey), politely wish the other patron happy holidays and move on to the store. It’s not worth causing a scene.
· When the number of people in a store escalates, so do the number of carts. Remember to ‘drive’ your cart in much the same way as you would a car. Stay on the right side of your lane, and try not to ‘park’ your cart in the middle of an aisle, making it difficult for someone to go around you.
· If it’s unclear who was in front of who in line, be gracious. The few extra minutes it will take to let them go in front of you will go much quicker than the few extra minutes it would have taken if you ‘cut’ in front and had everyone’s eyes on the back of your head. (Haven't we all done this to the "line cutter?")
· Empty cart and basket at the checkout; being courteous to the stores’ employees is something that will payoff later—they will remember you during the crazy season as well as during the calm. Address them by their names and be patient when they don’t have all the answers because they cannot memorize thousands of SKU’s. And like your mom taught you, always say thank you.
· Be courteous to those behind you and have that credit card - or cash -ready to pay when it’s your turn. If you are paying in cash, make sure you have enough and don’t have to count through all your change after everything is rung up.

And remember, it comes down to a common case of "treat everyone as you want to be treated."
Happy shopping all.

Making Etiquette Easy,
Susan K. Medina

Making Etiquette Easy: Parking Lots

As we gear up for the season of good cheer (and lots of turkey!) we will start to see the influx of people in parking lots nationwide. Tis’ the season, right? So how do we practice good etiquette and friendliness while we’re out and about during some of the most stressful and chaotic times? For some reason, parking lots become feeding grounds for instant-anger and loud horns. Here are a few tips:

• Follow all the legal ramifications of the lots, including speed limit, one-ways, and not utilizing handicapped parking spaces if you don’t need them.
• Be wary of pedestrian crosswalks—that parking space isn’t worth taking out someone’s leg. Besides, they do have the right of way, no matter how many of them there are!
• Keep moving—lulling about waiting for a spot to open up only blocks others and creates danger. It also communicates ‘laziness.’
• Leave the best spaces for less able visitors. Yes, there are less able visitors than you.
• When you find a spot, parking correctly is crucial. If you park appropriately in the center of the lines, you leave less room for your car (or others) to get dinged.
• Only use your horn if you fear you are going to get hit. Otherwise, your seemingly ‘justified’ action can be taken as a lack of grace. And what are they really learning from your loud interjection, anyhow?

Park-on my friends & remember, no one really enjoys a crowded parking lot!

Making Etiquette Easy,

Susan K. Medina