I recently wrote a blog on Huffington Post Business, Open Office Space Etiquette: Do's and Don'ts. Although there are numerous positive reasons employees thrive in an open workplace environment, there are others that find an open office work space to be challenging and uncomfortable. Their ... [ Read More ]
Five Creative Places for Your Next Business Meeting
Are you bored with in-office meetings, complete with stale coffee and pre-packaged muffins? Looking for a new spin on interviewing prospective candidates for a job? Here are a few suggestions that will not only add a visual change of scenery, but inspire thought and creativity. 1. A dog ... [ Read More ]
“Reply All” (& More Email Etiquette Tips)
At a recent interview with WGN Morning News (Chicago), we covered several etiquette tips relating to technology in the workplace. Not surprisingly, one topic generated many follow-up emails: the dreaded “Reply All” response which often bombards people with information they aren't interested in ... [ Read More ]
Five Ways to Boost Your Professional Career
We all want to excel in our careers, but often aren’t sure where to start. The following tips serve as recommendations to get started. As you begin to reap the benefits of your efforts, continue to grow your profession by expanding your Professional Career “To Do” List: Ask for a Project. If ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Recommendations for a Professional Laptop Bags
Q: I’m a business professional in the process of updating my career wardrobe with a few summer clothing items and new laptop bag. Do you have any recommendations on laptop bags? A: You are wise to pay attention to your career wardrobe, not overlooking the small details that make a big impact, ... [ Read More ]
Office Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts of the Company Picnic
I know of a business that held their annual picnic in the heat of summer, using it as a company retreat every year. Consistently, 14 out of 24 employees would attend, with the rest having various reasons for their absence; most citing it was too hot to be outdoors in July. When it came time to ... [ Read More ]
Six Qualities of a Good Boss
There’s an art to successfully supervising people. A great boss brings out the best in their employees; while a bad one creates discord and drives away talented people. There are several common denominators when it comes to strong leaders. Here are a few qualities of a good boss: Has a sense of ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Birthday and Other Office Celebrations
Working in an office includes sharing birthdays and other special events with your boss and coworkers. Joyful attitudes can quickly diminish when the office calendar becomes over-filled with birthdays, work anniversaries, baby showers, and wedding engagements, leaving less time for critical ... [ Read More ]
Five Ways to Acknowledge Your Administrative Assistant
This week is Administrative Professionals Week, a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for the diligent work done by those handling your office. Here are a few ideas that will demonstrate you recognize his or her hard work, whether you are their boss or co-worker. Pay for his or her ... [ Read More ]
TIPS: “To Insure Prompt Service” and Other Useful Acronyms
Acronyms can be a very useful tool in creating a memory link. They may have no grammatical roots, and perhaps disputed origins, but they are time tested, easy to recall, and used by teachers, trainers and parents. Here are a few common etiquette acronyms: TIPS: “To Insure Prompt Service”. The ... [ Read More ]
Ask the Etiquette Expert: Informing Someone of a Bad Habit
Q: I work in an office that requires meeting over lunch at least twice a week. Recently, I can’t help but notice my friend, and coworker, chewing her food with her mouth wide open. I want to say something, but I don’t want to offend her. Should I mind my own business? A: You say she’s a “friend”, ... [ Read More ]
Office Etiquette: Five Ways to Be a Positive Role Model
Whether you are a new employee just starting a career, or a seasoned office veteran, you have tremendous influence on the professional climate of your work environment. A leader helps set a standard that others tend to emulate. A negative employee can easily bring the rest of the team down, while ... [ Read More ]
Elevator Etiquette: Being a Courteous Passenger
Cramped in a small, moving space with strangers calls for a special code of conduct. Follow these tips to keep the elevator moving smoothly and your fellow passengers comfortable. Don’t crowd the doors. Let others exit before attempting to enter. This means not forcing your way in as people are ... [ Read More ]
Spring Wardrobe Staples
Your professional wardrobe doesn't have to be boring to communicate credibility in your field. You can wear clothes that send the message of “office confident,” and still show off your unique style. With warmer weather knocking at our door, now is the time to do an inventory of your closet and ... [ Read More ]
New Professionals: Seven Tips for Hosting a Meeting
Hosting a meeting can be a daunting task, even for a seasoned professional. For those just entering the workforce, speaking in front of your peers and keeping your coworkers on topic may seem overwhelming. Effectively leading a meeting is an important skill in the corporate world. To create a ... [ Read More ]