Saturday, December 15, 2018
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Monday, November 19, 2018
'Tis the Season to Mind Your Manners
Chances are you will be invited to someone’s home to celebrate the holiday season. As a guest, it is important to be respectful and exhibit good manners and proper etiquette in the home of your host. Part of the professional and social process is being able to understand how to be a proper guest and present oneself in a sophisticated and charismatic manner while enjoying a festive occasion.
Following these simple rules of holiday etiquette will ensure a smooth, enjoyable evening:
- Present your host with a nicely wrapped gift to express appreciation and gratitude.
- Limit the alcohol and avoid hard liquor. Opt for wine or sparkling cider.
- Don’t hover around the buffet table, overload your plate, double-dip, talk with food in your mouth, or chew with your mouth open.
- Don’t fuss over your food and taste all dishes served unless it violates your religious beliefs or health restrictions.
- Dress appropriately for the occasion. When in doubt opt to dress up rather than casual, or call the host in advance for guidelines on the dress code.
- Clean up behind yourself and respect your host’s property and privacy. Use coasters or napkins when necessary and don’t wander around the residence or tour areas that are restricted.
- Be considerate and don’t overstay your welcome.
- Depart graciously by shaking hands and extending well wishes to the host and guests. Thank the host for his/her hospitality and an enjoyable evening.
- Send a handwritten "Thank You" note within two days to express gratitude for a lovely occasion and warm hospitality.
The Delightful Dining Etiquette E-Book explains in detail Holiday Entertaining (And Everyday): Delightful Dining Etiquette! It answers the most-asked dining etiquette questions and more. You will learn proper table etiquette and social graces to dine with delight, charisma, and sophistication.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Office Aromas Cause A Stink
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| Illustration by Andrew Joyner/Bloomberg Businessweek.com |
Recently, I received a phone call from an excited colleague inviting me to visit his newly renovated office decorated with imported Italian furnishings, state-of-the-art technology, and Parisian art. WOW, sounds posh!
Beaming with enthusiasm peering into the glass doors checking out the new digs, I could feel my nose twinge and forehead wrinkle. As I pulled the brushed chrome door handle, my face paralyzed with a frown. Oh my goodness, it smelled like spicy, microwave salmon and Chinese broccoli mixed with garlic sauce and cumin!
The pleasant, smiling receptionist greeted me inquiring, “Are you okay?” Attempting to wipe the grimace from my face, I replied, “Good afternoon, do you smell that aroma?” She laughed saying she was used to it. Well, I’m not. Fishy odors don’t make a winning first impression in any office, not even a fish market.
There should be rules for employees who dine in the office. Rancid odors are disruptive to the workplace and reduce productivity. Employees complain, lose concentration, and leave the office to escape the smell.
During a five-year workplace incivility study conducted by Christine Pearson of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School, more than half surveyed said they were distracted by rude behavior at work and got less done while fuming or worrying about it…22% said they purposely quit doing their best work due to incivility.
Food odors are part of the etiquette crisis in the workplace but can be mitigated if employees are more aware of the adverse effects caused by scents and employers effectively communicate, preferably in writing, an office dining courtesy policy.
While sitting in my colleague’s picturesque office, I gave him five simple office dining courtesy tips to help solve his odor problem and create a pleasant, comfortable, productive environment for employees and guests. The tips were posted immediately.
Office Dining Courtesy Tips:
- When eating at your desk or in shared spaces, avoid foods with a strong pungent scent and lingering aromas that travel throughout the office. Eat and dispose of your food right away.
- Clean up after yourself. Wash your dishes and wipe microwave after usage. Remove food from the refrigerator at the end of the week.
- Be sensitive to co-workers who might be allergic or sensitive to scents. Perfume and cologne should be subtle. Ask before spraying air fresheners, potpourri or lathering with heavily scented lotions.
- Respect co-worker’s property and ask permission prior to taking or borrowing items and never take someone else’s food from the refrigerator.
- Leave equipment in good condition and straighten up shared areas. Restock supplies.
Be courteous and build a healthy, stress-free work environment by treating others as you want to be treated.
Click Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette to learn proven methods on how to gain a competitive edge to win in today's challenging global market and increase profitability. The book benefits all professional levels and is a concise guide to valuable etiquette techniques and effective communication skills to grow your company's revenue, advance your career, and build client/customer loyalty with positive first impressions.
Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette is required course material for Austin Community College Hospitality Management Program.
Shawn E. Gilleylen is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. She is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm specializing in business etiquette training and workplace communication. Shawn helps businesses ensure best practices become standard procedures which result in enhanced customer experience, efficient operations, and higher profitability. Shawn keynotes at conferences, conducts etiquette trainings/workshops, and one-on-one coaching.
Recent Posts from Shawn:
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Valentine's Day Savoir-Faire
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| Dude, Where Are Your Manners! |
Valentine's Day evokes love and sweetness in our hearts. It's a time for romantic dinners, champagne, and truffles.
Part of the romance of dining is impressing your date with proper table manners. The way you behave while dining is a reflection of your character, charisma, and competence.
Years ago, I was invited to Valentine's Day dinner by a charming colleague. I enjoyed his engaging conversation and humor as we awaited our meal. Within minutes of receiving bread, the date soured.
Cutting bread, he palmed the whole loaf. Yuck...food faux pas! Then, he double-dipped the bread into our shrimp garlic olive oil appetizer and placed his dirty napkin on the table.
Shaking my head, I wanted to scream, "Why are you touching and double-dipping the bread!" Good manners prevailed since he didn't know better.
So the story ends...I never dined again with this colleague despite numerous requests. We were so socially disconnected, it was like watching two ships passing in the night.
Make your Valentine's Day Sweet by following these savoir-faire tips:
- Arrive on time for dinner reservations. If you are meeting your date, arrive 15 minutes early to survey the restaurant and make adjustments.
- Don't place your cell phone, keys, purse, or case on the dining table. It's rude and unsanitary. Silence or Turn Off your cell phone.
- Keep your napkin in your lap until it's time to leave the table. Don't wipe your mouth, face or table with your napkin. Never spit food into your napkin.
- Don't pick your teeth, floss, blow your nose, or take medication at the table.
- Don't place used silverware on the tablecloth. If you drop utensils, don't pick it up. Ask the waiter for clean silverware.
- Ladies: Don't put lipstick on at the table. Gentlemen: Don't sling your tie over your shoulder or tuck your napkin in your shirt. Bibs are for babies.
- The person who extended the invitation pays the bill, including gratuity. The standard tip is 18% of the total bill and 20% or upward for "fine dining" restaurants.
- Express gratitude and thank your date for a lovely evening. It's the thought that counts.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Click Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette to learn delightful dining etiquette tips, social graces, and table manners to help you comfortably interact in a business or social setting, boosting your self-confidence, savvy, and leadership skills. In today’s business world, more and more business is conducted over restaurant tables than boardrooms. Part of the professional process is being able to understand proper table etiquette and how to present oneself in a sophisticated and proper manner while eating.
Success with Etiquette: Book of Etiquette is required course material for Austin Community College Hospitality Management Program.
Shawn E. Gilleylen is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer, and author. She is the founder of Administrative Support Associates, a firm specializing in business etiquette training and workplace communication. Shawn helps businesses ensure best practices become standard procedures which result in enhanced customer experience, efficient operations, and higher profitability. Shawn keynotes at conferences, conducts etiquette trainings/workshops, and one-on-one coaching.
Recent Posts from Shawn:
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