Creating positive personal impact is one of the five keys to success in my new book "Straight Talk for Success". A mastery of the basic rules of etiquette is an important part of creating positive personal impact.
In "Do It Right" Ms. Sokolosky points out that, "We are living in a time of etiquette ambiguity...Today we're often forced to make it up as we go." She then presents 245 common sense, clearly stated, easy to understand and use tips that will save readers from having to make it up as they go.
Here are some of my favorites:
* When you are given information in confidence. Keep that confidence.
* Respect privacy of a co-worker's cubicle or office. Carry on conversations in your own space.
* One simple rule about office parties and business festivities: No matter what the occasion, it's still business, and moderation works best.
* Communicate with a K.I.S.S. - Keep It Short and Simple!
* We expect praise from our bosses, but we should also give praise for their outstanding efforts. Bosses need recognition too.
* Don't live in a WAM (What About Me) world. Try this: Go a whole day in the office without saying "I", instead say "we". Business is, in fact, not always about you.
* Save terms of endearment for those who are dear. "Honey" is something you spread on toast. A "Hun" is a warrior who followed Attila. A "deer" is an animal in the forest. A "girl' is a female under the age of 12 - not a secretary or assistant.
* A simple ring tone is best for your cell phone. Musical ring tones are annoying, particularly in a business setting.
* Meeting manners: Be present and in the moment. Think your thoughts through before sharing them. Support your ideas with facts. Be open minded to other's opinions. Take only your fair share of meeting time to contribute your ideas. Leave with a commitment to support the decisions made, no matter who presented the ideas.
* Board airplanes quickly. Long conversations and taking your time at the entryway back up traffic in the jetway.
* Carry over the shoulder luggage and back packs in front of you as you make your way down the aisle. Avoid hitting passengers who are already seated.
* Take you reading materials out of our carry on before boarding a plane, rather than fiddling with it in the aisle.
* Sit in your assigned seat.
* Tell people when you see a blouse unbuttoned, a fly open or a piece of lettuce between their teeth. Be sensitive, inconspicuous and gracious. Most of us appreciate being to and able to quickly resolve the situation.
* When you receive an unexpected gift, your only obligation is to be sincere in your thanks at the time, and in a follow up, handwritten thank you note. One gift does not necessarily deserve another.
Ms. Sokolosky also includes over fifty tips on international etiquette - a topic of increasing importance in today's global economy.
Finally, she shares some great quotes. Here are two of my favorites:
* "Unless he manages himself effectively, no amount of ability, skill, experience or knowledge will make an executive effective." Peter Drucker
* "If you make the obvious effort to be accommodating, sympathetic and kind, business will transpire, and deals will be made...and profits and goals realized." Letitia Baldridge
"Do it Right" is a great little book. It covers more than just etiquette. I think it provide essential advice for anyone interested in creating a successful life and career.
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Buy new:
-17% $14.11$14.11
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