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Sticky Situation

Sticky Situation: A Cheat Sheet for Colleague Annoyances

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 05.22.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

Do you sometimes lay awake at night, or daydream on the job, about what to do and say to a co-worker about a recurring sticky situation? Here is a cheat sheet, of the right things to do and say, for when your colleague does the wrong thing.

Sticky Situation: Avoid Embarrassment at this Weekend's BBQ

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 05.15.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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.

Sticky Situation: 20 "Textiquette" Guidelines

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 05.02.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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: The Perpetually Late Colleague

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 03.26.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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: An Air-Kissing How-To

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 05.13.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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: Bringing a Newborn to a Gala?

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 05.06.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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...

Sticky Situation: A Neighbourly Dispute

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 04.23.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

Sticky situation: Our, across the street neighbour insists that we cannot park our car in front of his property. Are we wrong to continue to do so, especially when we arrive from his side of the crescent?

Sticky Situation: Walking My Daughter Down the Aisle With My Ex

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 04.15.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

Our daughter is getting married on May 4. I am the step mom. Last Saturday she called her dad and wants both her parents, my husband and his ex, to walk her down the aisle. Maybe not a huge request but, my husband said he wants to walk his daughter down the aisle, solo. Please advise.

Sticky Situation: One Unmatching Bridesmaid

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 04.08.2013 | Canada Style
Julie Blais Comeau

Sticky situation: In less than two months, I am getting married. My dear friend is to be a bridesmaid. Due to her financial issues, she now informs me that she didn't order her dress. The rest of the bridesmaids did so, last May. That dress model is no longer available. Please help!

Sticky Situation: Super Bowl Party Manners

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 04.03.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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.

Sticky Situation: 12 Steps to Recover From 'Send' Syndrome

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 03.26.2013 | Canada
Julie Blais Comeau

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:

Sticky Situation: Handling an Awkward New Year's Party Request

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 03.02.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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?

Sticky Situation: Declining an Inappropriate Gift

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 02.27.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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?

Sticky Situation: How to Behave at an Office Party

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 01.29.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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.

Sticky Situation: Flu Season Etiquette

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 01.13.2013 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

Are you ready for flu and cold season's sticky situations? If you happen to be within six feet of anyone who is sick, even if you don't see them, some 10- to 100-million viruses may be coming your way! To protect yourself, your loved ones and your team, here are nine germy season dos and don'ts.

Sticky Situation: Hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 12.05.2012 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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?

Sticky Situation: Act Your Age at the Office

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 11.11.2012 | Canada Business
Julie Blais Comeau

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.

Sticky Situation: How to Act on a Weekend Getaway With Your Boss

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 10.28.2012 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

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?

Sticky Situation: Julie's GPS

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 09.24.2012 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

A lot of my professional peers get rid of their stress through exercise and playing sports; solo, in groups or on teams. Some of my girlfriends do spiritual relaxation. They are seeking inner peace by meditating or doing yoga. Personally, I like to do chores and go shopping!

Sticky Situation: Dining Etiquette, and Why You Should Not Have a Drink

Julie Blais Comeau | Posted 06.04.2012 | Canada Living
Julie Blais Comeau

When out for a business meal, many situations come up: "What if I have food allergies or I am on a restricted diet?", "What should I talk about?", "What are appropriate finger foods?", "Do I have to have a drink?" and "May I excuse myself to go smoke?" Here's how to deal with each.