The first long weekend of the summer is here and you need it, to recharge your batteries, unplug the techno and reconnect with loved ones. In Canada, this first three-day break of the summer generally means a combination of planting, freshening up our homes and an invitation to a barbecue. Here are five barbecue sticky situations and their solutions.
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.
What can I do about a colleague's perpetual lateness? Five to 10 minutes after the start of our weekly meetings he waltzes in and usually says something like: "What did I miss?" This is more than an annoyance. It is disruptive and unproductive. And frankly, I feel that it is very disrespectful of my time and me. Help!
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?
Sticky situation: Our law firm has been nominated for our local Chamber of Commerce's annual Business Achievement Award. My newborn will be five-weeks-old on gala night. I am still nursing so, I was thinking of bringing him with us. But I spoke about this plan with one of our senior associates and he is very concerned that other attendees may disapprove of bringing a baby to a gala...
Spring ahead to Super Bowl Sunday. You are wearing your team's gear; jersey on your freshly showered back, and cap on your uncoiffed mane. You're ready to go p-a-r-t-y. But, before you get set to watch the famous coin flip, check your Super Bowl party manners. Here are 10 don'ts and one do, the get reinvited to next year's matchup.
Every modern day professional has at least one e-story to tell. Click that 'Send' button and you could be clicking your career away. Accidental emails can cause embarrassment, compliance issues, end a career or simply make the recipient smile. Here are 12 steps to avoid "send syndrome" and that sinking stomach feeling:
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?
When I got back to the office, most of the staff had left and the receptionist handed me my Secret Santa gift. I took it home with me and opened it up on Christmas day. It was a $50 Victoria's Secret gift card. The note read: 'Whatever you choose, you will look great in. John." How should I handle this sticky situation?
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.
You've confirmed with your guests who brings what for your potluck dinner. The table is set and it looks amazing! You take off your apron and ask your loved one to turn on the music. Your children are impeccably dressed and you keep them quietly busy by taking out a new puzzle. But, hold on, are you ready for any sticky situation?
Do you ever feel like standing on top of your desk to belt out Aretha Franklin's anthem, R-E-S-P-E-C-T to "that guy" or "that girl"? Sadly, you are not alone. Office manners are declining while workplace woes are rising. When I conduct civility workshops, participants are always surprised to hear about the costs of the little niggles of the contemporary workplace.
My fiancé and I have been invited to his boss's cottage on the lake for the weekend. He will be hosting us with his wife. My fiancé's western counterpart will also be there along with his wife. We are flattered to be invited but don't quite know how to inform our hosts that I am a vegetarian. We know we should bring a host gift, but what? Do we make the bed or strip it?