I was recently quoted in Huffington Post Canada regarding the unspoken etiquette rules on cleavage in the workplace. When dressing for work, the line between attractive and provocative can be easily blurred. Often, the two terms can overlap. Studies have actually shown that women who dress too ... [ Read More ]
Q & A: How to Handle Embarrassing Situations
From pungent co-workers to self-proclaimed wine snobs, here is my latest installment of Q & A’s from our readers about how to handle embarrassing situations. 1. How can I correct someone who continues to call me by the wrong name every time I see her? It’s insulting. Admittedly, it can ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Take Personal Emergency Leave
You never can predict when your preschooler will have 101 fever in the middle of the day, or you must unexpectedly attend to a family illness, injury, or other urgent matter. There is never a good time for personal emergency leave, especially when you are at the office. However, if you are prepared ... [ Read More ]
Tips for Living a Fulfilling Life
Life is moving along, even when you're not. Are you taking advantage of every opportunity? Here are a few business and social tips for living a fulfilling life to get you started. 1. Don't get stuck. Be willing to change or adjust as the direction of your interests and experiences grow. Don’t be ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: How to Stay Positive in the Workplace
If you find yourself in an office rut, take affirmative steps to stay positive and get back into the game. A pleasant employee is a promotable employee. 1. Fill your cup. Literally. Make a point of nourishing your body and soul. Have more than a quick cup of coffee for breakfast, even if it is a ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Avoid These Common Career Mistakes
I was recently asked to address the topic, “Mistakes Women Make in Business.” While I am happy to share common career mistakes made by executives, they are certainly not limited to women. Both men and women can benefit from reviewing the business blunders below. You may find that some of these sound ... [ Read More ]
Umbrella Etiquette
Today is Friday the 13th and according to lore, both Friday and the number 13 are “unlucky.” Another superstition has to do with umbrellas. Opening an umbrella inside a building is said to bring you, and the occupants inside, bad luck. I agree that it’s bad business to walk in to a building or home ... [ Read More ]
Getting Ready for Fall Office Fashion
I always look forward to a new season, and Fall is my favorite time of year. Even before the temperature starts to drop, I am already thinking about fall office fashion and how to add, edit and update my wardrobe with small (and not so tiny) details. I am sharing a few of my ideas for those looking ... [ Read More ]
Friendship Etiquette: When to Let Go of the Rope
From time to time a situation comes up that clearly shows you who is in your corner and who no longer has your back. Perhaps someone that was a good friend for a long period of time has decided to move on. There should be no judgment in taking another direction, either for you or them, as long as ... [ Read More ]
Mannerly Tips on How to Accept a Compliment
Have you ever given someone a compliment, such as, “You did a great job on that project!” only to get a response like, “Yep, I know…” or, “Of course I did.” Suddenly your sincere gesture of kindness has turned into a comment you wish you could retract. Telling someone you like his or her jacket, ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Closing Out Summer Internships
If you are a college student who spent your summer working at your first internship, there is a right way and a wrong way to wrap things up before you return to your college studies. I’m sharing my thoughts, hoping you already put my intern etiquette tips (Ten Etiquette Tips for Summer Internship ... [ Read More ]
10 Things Your Employees Won’t Tell You
Even if you think you are the best boss in the world, your employees may have a few ideas filed away under "room for improvement". Here are 10 things your employees won't tell you: 1. Your employee won’t tell you that your meetings run too long and most are a waste of time. He or she ends up ... [ Read More ]
Boss Etiquette: Can You Be Friends With Your Boss?
Due to popular request, I am reposting a blog that obviously hit home with many of our readers… You have a good job in a successful company. Even better, the boss seems very cool, the kind of person you’d like to hang out with and be BFF's with outside of the office. Word of caution…beware. The ... [ Read More ]
Business Attire: Small Details Make a Lasting Impression
When you are dressing for success you must pay attention to everything. Small details make a lasting impression and are vital to your finished look: The length of your pants. Ladies, the standard hem rule for a full length pant is ¼ to a ½ inch from dragging the ground. The front hem should ... [ Read More ]
Business Etiquette: Reducing Email Clutter
My recent post about virtual workforce communication included highlighting a few tools to help reduce email clutter and increase efficiencies, including Skype, IM, and SharePoint. The topic of reducing email clutter and the art of the business email is a topic worth further discussion, especially ... [ Read More ]