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Issue #11 |
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Style & Substance Secrets newsletter. The resource for business professionals to improve credibility, relationships and bottom line, through image, etiquette, dining and social skills.
Two New Public Seminars in Edmonton March 18 -Making the Connection -Looking the Part
Our Dining Skills for Business Training Video is available to raise the bar for your new hires and entire team.
Tips Inside This Issue
- 10 Office Peeves
Dear Joanne & Terry Q & A:
- Business Dress
- Table Manners
Looking for a humorous motivational speaker? Audiences love Terry the Kid.
For your free subscription to this newsletter or to forward it to a friend just click link at bottom of page.
About Style for Success
Joanne Blake & Terry Pithers can help your organization and your people improve their personal image and social skills to build credibility and inspire stronger business relationships.
Specializing in business dress, demeanor & dining, we add enjoyable, unique, profitable content to your training, conferences, retreats and in-house seminars.
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TOP 10 OFFICE/CUBICLE PET PEEVES
2008 could be a great year if only your coworkers had made new year’s resolutions to stop doing those little things that can drive you up the wall.
The problem is that most people seem to be blissfully unaware when they are their transgressing office or cubicle etiquette.
So to get the year off right and bring peace to the world (okay, at least peace to your office) we’ve put together a list of the top cubicle complaints we’ve been asked to address in our business etiquette seminars.
1. Knock-knock. Who’s there? Barge who? Barge Rightin. Just because there isn't a door on your cubicle doesn’t mean people shouldn't “knock”. To signal your presence before entering you can knock on the side of the partition or ask “Do you have a minute?”
2. What’s yours is mine What is it about your desk that makes it look like the supply cupboard? Ask permission before you borrow or take anyone else’s supplies.
3. Shock radio Yee haw, you love country music! Doesn't everybody? That’s why there’s chocolate and vanilla and headphones. Check with your neighbors regarding the sound level of your radio, iPod or computer.
4. We see you, we're just ignoring you If you’re not deaf or invisible why do people carry on conversations with each other over your head and work space? If you need to talk directly to someone, you should go to their desk.
5. Loud talkers Why do some people use their “outside” voice, when they’re inside? Voice volume while on or off the phone should be kept low. This is why phone headsets make such a good gift idea in open offices.
6. Whoa, wicked perfume Are people commenting on your perfume or cologne? Guess what? That’s a clue that it’s too strong. Many people have allergies or sensitivities so fragrances should be subtle or avoided.
7. Your mom doesn’t work here Your mom/spouse/partner usually cleans up after you? They probably don't work here, so in the lunch/coffee room and other shared areas, tidy up after yourself.
8. The coffee fairy Why do some people seem to think that the coffee pot or photocopier gets refilled by magic? (Or does their mom work here?) If you take the last cup of coffee, make another pot.
9. Your lunch sounds/smells good You don't have to advertise the fact that you are eating at your desk. If you’re eating or snacking in your work area, do it discreetly. No loud slurping, chomping, chewing, gum popping, odorous foods or barbecuing in your cubicle.
10. Your pet peeve: This is where you get to fill in your own complaint, or better yet,
Post or share this article It's a fact that most of us spend more time with our work colleagues than we do with our families. Families take some effort and so do workplace relationships. Share this article as a starting point for ongoing discussions to ensure your workplace works for everyone.
No need for cubicle rage It’s hard to imagine that you could be the one doing something that bugs your colleagues. Moi? A nice way to bring up your complaint is to first ask your neighbors if you’re doing anything that bugs them. You might be suprised at their response. That should segue nicely into you bringing up your peeves.
We don’t do it on purpose Remember to cut each other some slack, you aren’t trying to annoy each other on purpose. Most of us don't think a lot about workplace etiquette or how what we do affects others.
Start building some communication, self awareness and a more respectful workplace. If that doesn’t work, don’t escalate, think about bringing us in for a seminar.
Click here for a printable one page PDF version of this list.   Q&A - Business Etiquette, Dress & Table Manners Advice
Q. Scarves for Men I’m seeing more scarves being worn this winter, especially more by men. Instead of draping them over their neck they are tying them in a bulkier knot at the neck. I like the look. Can you tell me about it. - Knot Baddloking in Minneapolis
A: Scarves are making a comeback. The knot you are seeing is probably the hacking knot (Click here to see example) which is very popular in outerwear with both men and women now.
To tie it you fold the scarf in half to form a loop at your chin. Bring the two ends around your neck and pull them through the loop. Click here to see how to do this.
- Joanne Dining Question:
Q. Honk if you’ve got a cold This cold season, I notice some business people blowing their nose into Kleenex and some use their napkin. Can you blow your nose into your napkin when dining out?
- Nousy Parker in Parksville
A. Yes you can, but should you? No. That’s what tissues are for (or handkerchiefs if you still use them). Don’t honk your nose like a horn. Try to do it discreetly and turn your head slightly away from others.
The reason the napkin shouldn't be used to blow your nose is it reappears throughout the meal for blotting your lips before you speak or take a drink etc Napkins unlike tissues, are not put away or disposed of after use.
So, to put it delicately, if you use your napkin there is a chance the evidence of your nose blowing might be visible to others during the meal.
If you’re worried about people noticing your runny nose, check this out new fashion accessory.
- Terry
P.S. If you're noticing your coworkers making dining mistakes, remember it's not good manners to correct them.
To raise the bar in your whole organization without finger-pointing suggest that your company invest in a cost-effective dining training video. Click here for information so your HR Dept. can receive a free evaluation copy.
Always be nice to people on the way up; because you'll meet the same people on the way down. - Wilson Mizner
Few things are more satisfying than seeing your own children have teenagers of their own. - Doug Larson
Two Half-day Public Seminars in Emonton Mar. 18th
Co-sponsored by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta Tuesday Mar. 18 Seminars limited to 20 attendees Click here for seminar information Forward this opportunity to a friend
We're on TV - Feb 25th Early-birds catch us live Monday Feb 25th. we're on Global TV's Morning Edition 7a.m. to 9a.m. to talk about the lost art of etiquette in social and business situations. December and January we got away from the snow to enjoy the rain in Victoria and Seattle, developing business relationships on the west coast.
Looking for entertaining and empowering presentations with a difference for your next conference or retreat? Business dress, etiquette, networking, dining and meeting skills. Check out our website and give us a call.
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› View archived newsletters and other valuable resources All contents Copyright ©2008, Style for Success Inc. - Terry Pithers and Joanne Blake, except where otherwise indicated. All rights reserved worldwide. Duplication or reprints only with express permission or approved credits as indicated below.
For your newsletters, bulletin
boards or websites. Our articles may be copied or used for non-profit purposes, without the consent of the authors provided you include our credits statement and link.
Joanne and Terry would appreciate receiving an e-mail informing them of your use of any articles. Please provide the URL and/or a courtesy copy of any publication in which the article appears.
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