In a job search, strong references can help land the offer, while weak ones can derail your quest regardless of how impressive your resume, interview and follow up have been. When you are in the position of needing good references, there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind to make sure the ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Fashion and Office Attire Q and A’s
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Q: Diane, I am never sure where to put my wallet when wearing a suit. I’m looking for some gentlemanly advice. Thank you for your help. - R.J.T. A: Dear R.J.T., I reached out to the Branding Team at Brooks Brothers, and this is their advice: “Ideally a ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Five Tips to Handling Office Jealousy
When a colleague gets a promotion or lands a new client, the celebration may be dulled by the little voice inside your head that says, “She has all the luck.” Professional jealousy can drain your energy, lower your productivity, and raise your stress level. Instead of feeling bitter, try these 5 ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Meeting Strategies for Introverts
In almost any meeting in the office, you will find individuals who have little or no reservations about tossing out their ideas full throttle. For many, especially those with more reserved personality traits, this environment can become a test of patience rather than a constructive exchange of ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Ask for a Raise
Ask the Etiquette Expert Q: A coworker just shared her salary in confidence and it’s significantly more than mine, even though we have similar jobs and she hasn't been here as long. How do I bring this up to my boss? -R.S. A: Dear R.S., Before talking to anyone, take a step back and assess ... [ Read More ]
Five Ways Women Sabotage Their Career
I was recently invited to speak at a women’s conference on the topic of What Women Do To Sabotage Their Career. I have worked in the corporate industry as an etiquette expert and leadership trainer for over 15 years and have had the opportunity to witness first-hand what otherwise strong, ... [ Read More ]
Office Productivity in Five Minutes or Less
When faced with a few spare minutes of downtime at work, it’s tempting to use this time to take a quick look at your Facebook account or text a friend about dinner plans. But those moments of waiting for a client call or a meeting to start can be precious opportunities to tackle small, but necessary ... [ Read More ]
6 Good Reasons to Bite Your Tongue in the Office
When it comes to behavior in the office, it’s important to err on the side of caution when you are establishing your professional image in the workplace. Here are a few tips and reminders to follow while you're at work to avoid any turmoil with your peers: 1. You don't always need to be ... [ Read More ]
Office Etiquette: Back to School – Back to the Office
As the kids start back to school, there’s a renewed sense of energy as we head into the office this morning. Anticipation of a morning routine and the hope of cooler weather are motivation to get your workspace in order. Here are a few ideas to help you prepare for a fresh start: Add inspiration ... [ Read More ]
Office Etiquette: Six Phrases to Avoid in the Workplace
You’ve probably heard the saying that reminds us to be careful with our thoughts, because thoughts become words, and words become actions. This is especially true when making comments at work. Everything that goes from your mouth to your boss’s ears either reinforces your professionalism or raises a ... [ Read More ]
Office Etiquette: Five Things Your Boss Is Silently Observing About You
There are certain expectations that may not show up in your job description, but you can bet your boss is judging your performance based on them. Your skill in these “unwritten” areas may have more of an impact than you know on your job. Here are five things your boss is noticing about you ... [ Read More ]
Warby Parker: Glasses With a Cause
Do you wear glasses? If so, you know how expensive they can be, especially when you like to own several different pairs. I’d like to introduce you to Warby Parker, a company that prides themselves on good quality, better looking prescription eyewear at a fraction of the price of other high-end ... [ Read More ]
Five Lessons a Horse Can Teach About Client Relationships
Winston Churchill said, “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.” Horses tend to mirror our emotions, and require a calm, yet assertive demeanor. The same attributes that are used with horses can be applied to your professional relationships. Remain composed. Horses are prey ... [ Read More ]
Dealing With Talkative Coworkers
There’s usually one (or two) in every office ... the coworker who enjoys hearing the sound of their own voice, while office mates run for cover. Some people don’t realize they are coined the office “Chatter Box,” and others simply don’t care. Here are a few tips for handling talkative ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Shared Outlook Calendar in the Office
Q: Diane, what is the etiquette surrounding how a supervisor should go about posting employee requests for time off on the shared Outlook office calendar? My reference regards doctor and other personal appointments that are able to be viewed by everyone within the company I work for, even if they ... [ Read More ]