So many people are hiding these days behind their devices, using efficiency and speed as just one of the many excuses to avoid direct communication. I don't purport to be the Emily Post of digital etiquette, but the following are times when some form of more intimate and potentially interactive communication may be preferable to their smart phone or tablet equivalent.

When invited to give a business etiquette workshop, managers now request that I include a texting activity. We review the dos and don'ts of this casual mode of communication that can, quickly and permanently, tarnish a company's, or an employee's, reputation. Here are 20 business "textiquette" guidelines to keep your interactions positive and interruption free.

Sticky situation: Help! I got air-kissed and ended up butting noses. The incident happened during my first road trip with my boss, when he introduced me to one of our senior store managers. I put out my hand. He pulled me in to peck, not only once but twice, on each cheek. I was surprised. Startled, I moved and it caused a nose collision. What is the protocol on air-kissing, who goes first and on which side?

Send those thank you emails. Send them liberally and sincerely. While efficiency is key, particularly in a business capacity, I also appreciate doing business with nice people. Kindness and thoughtfulness go a long way in building and maintaining relationships, a distance that efficiency alone cannot.

In the New Year, I will be hosting a pot-luck for my colleagues. But I am concerned that my new hardwood flooring could be damaged by high heels, as a result of guests not removing their shoes at the door. Should I e-mail my team members in advance to ask that they bring their slippers or indoor shoes?

Fortunately, the days of holiday office party photocopying remorse are long gone. It is also safe to assume that you will nobody on your team will be wearing a lampshade for the group photo. But, are you all free from texting, tweeting or tagging remorse, during or after the party? Here are sticky situation solutions to maneuver this year's get together.

They're tucked away in corners behind clients and stacks of papers, writing down your every move or staring at the clock when you come in late. But bo...

Ask Julie: "My boss is usually late, then texts and tweets during our one-on-one meetings. Is there anything I can do to get her attention on me?"