Executive Essentials | Women, Men & Money | Diversity University | Uniquely U | Kidequette

Q. As an executive of a service-oriented company, what is one way I can gain more respect from my employees?
A. Dress for success is not just a rhyme. Positions of authority require just that image. Judges wear black robes and are seated on an elevated platform. Police officers wear uniforms. There is an extensive protocol for executives. Wear clean, quality, professional, polished attire but knowing specifically what requires more information dependent on the type of business, location, international, etc. Corporate policies vary, but it is unwise to dress exactly like every other level of employee. Anything less—communicates less.

Q. When I travel to Japan next month, what are a few important tips I need to know?
A. There are too many to list here. Gift-giving is an integral part of Japanese business etiquette. Always bring multiple gifts so when you are presented with a gift you can reciprocate. Gifts are always given in private. Relationships are a priority in Japan--never get down to business first.

Executive Essentials | Women, Men & Money | Diversity University | Uniquely U | Kidequette

Q. During a new introduction, what do I do to avoid embarrassment if I am unsure of correctly hearing the person's name or know its spelling?
A. A person's name should always be pronounced and spelled correctly. When in doubt, ask rather than make an error. People like to hear their name and consider it flattering that you care to get the information correct.

Q. Why shouldn't I type my e-mails in all caps?
A. How we speak and write project our level of education and professionalism or, in contrast, laziness and carelessness to detail. Write in grammatically correct sentences. Besides, e-mails in all caps strain the eye. Difficult reading increases the chance for communication errors between sender and receiver. Not a good thing in business.

Q. How can I build better relationships with multi-cultural colleagues, clients, and dignitaries?
A. Cross culture awareness and understanding foreign etiquette is crucial to success in business because, without it, offense can easily occur. Gift giving is one example; in China, harmony and balance are highly valued, so gifts should be given in pairs. In Saudi Arabia, always receive or give gifts with the right hand. The old motto, "people don't care what you know until they know you care" could ultimately affect your financial bottom line.

Executive Essentials | Women, Men & Money | Diversity University | Uniquely U | Kidequette

Q. If I am taken to lunch during a prospective employer's interview, is etiquette really that big of a deal?
A. Deals are made over meals! It is likely you are taken to lunch to see how you handle yourself in social settings and ultimately handle yourself with clients. Will you grab the wrong water glass? Do you order first or does the host? You won't earn the bigger paycheck if you don't first learn the smaller but important details!

Q. What is a speech tic, and why should it be important to me?
A. Speech tics are words and sounds that we unconsciously repeat. Slang words like ya know, uh huh, clearing of your throat, and nasal-sounding speech are examples. Each can be very annoying, project immaturity and unprofessionalism. They can be corrected or minimalized by sharing your concern with a friend who can inform you when it occurs. Some swear that putting a rubber band on your wrist and snapping it each time you catch yourself breaks bad habits.

Q. If my new boss or co-worker calls me by my first name, can I do the same?
A. No! Your boss is superior in rank already earning respect. You may not know your co-worker's ranking either. It is always safe and respectful to refer to one as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr. , etc. first. Then wait for their cues on what they'd prefer to be called. They WILL remember you for it.

Executive Essentials | Women, Men & Money | Diversity University | Uniquely U | Kidequette

Q. I am my own person, so why should I care what others think?
A. Studies show that within the first seven seconds of meeting someone a judgment is made about them. It is great to like who you are, but when we get really honest, the fact is, we all have things about us we need to improve. The saying, "smells tell" is true. Dirty hair, smelly underarms, wrinkled clothes, and bad breath should be red flags if you don't have too many friends. We attract what we are.

Q. I've met a lot of fun people online and am thinking of meeting them, but my mom says "no way"! Why can't I have a little fun?
A. When you're online, you have no way of really knowing with whom you're speaking. Internet crimes are epidemic with young people your age. Never give out any personal information, and respect your parent's wisdom. People are friendly online, but you'll NEVER know if there are skeletons in their closets!

Q. Sometimes I get gifts that I don't like or need. What do I do?
A. It can be disappointing to not get a gift we really want. But the giver did take time and money to give it, so it should be recognized. Say something nice about the giver, "It was so nice to do this" or "I really appreciate you thinking of me, thanks.” You should always write a thank-you note—it's much more personal than a phone call. If you like the gift, show your enthusiasm with phrases like, "I love it--it's exactly what I wanted.”

Executive Essentials | Women, Men & Money | Diversity University | Uniquely U | Kidequette

Q. How can I avoid the embarrassment of my five-year-old's poor, messy, throwing-food eating habits in public and at home?
A. Kids learn best when having fun and when manners are modeled by adults. A funny face can be made on his plate with a cherry tomato nose, an orange quartered for a mouth and string beans for the hair. You are redirecting his original "battle.” When a child is throwing food, there must be consistent consequences. Also, parents should emphasize foods like chips can be eaten with hands, but spaghetti (a fun one) requires twirling your fork around it. Works like magic!

Q. How can I avoid embarrassment when I burp out loud?
A. Some kids think this is funny and do it for attention. If this is the case, ignore the behavior. If you burp out loud accidentally, "Excuse me" is the right thing to say.

Q. Every day at school, my friend is teased about something, and I don't know how to help her?
A. Your friend needs to stand up for herself/himself, or it will likely continue. The behavior should not be reciprocated. Instead, tell your friend to ignore it, and focus on all those friends who are kind. Tell your friend to compliment the positive friends, and they will want to be around her/him even more. You can be a friend by sharing this with your friend. If it becomes serious, a trusting adult should be informed because all schools have rules that must be abided by.

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