Uber and Lyft Etiquette Tips October 26, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Ever used a rideshare service such as Lyft or Uber and wondered about correct etiquette? I know I did the first time my “taxi” was an Uber. Do I tip the same as a taxi? Can I tell the driver to turn the AC up or the music down? The Uber and Lyft etiquette tips… Read More
5 Workplace Character Traits for a Positive Reputation October 22, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Workplace character traits often trump skills. A lack of character in the workplace has now caused some companies to “hire for character and train for skill.” It doesn’t mean skills and competence don’t matter. But, often skills can be taught and mastered on the job, while character flaws may not be redeemable. We’ve all… Read More
Mid-term Election Etiquette: Five Tips for Peaceful Politics at Work October 19, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Is there such a thing as mid-term election etiquette at work? Mid-term elections are just around the corner across the United States. And since employees today typically spend more time at work than anywhere else, is it possible to have peaceful politics at work? Is it okay to talk politics at all? Many offices don’t… Read More
Business Etiquette Errors Can Be Costly October 2, 2018 | Rachel Wagner In a conversation recently with a high-level professional, he said he often scribbles notes on the back of someone’s business card to remember something they talked about. He asked if this was okay. My response: It’s not ideal. It’s like putting graffiti on someone’s card. A best practice is to wait until the person has… Read More
Meeting Etiquette: Top 4 Meeting Pet Peeves and How to Avoid Them September 13, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Meetings can be a way to focus on business issues, gather input and jointly solve problems. But, many people don’t practice good meeting etiquette. According to a recent report in USA Today,* attendees ranked the four meeting etiquette pet peeves below as the most annoying. Here are the faux pas and best practices to avoid… Read More
6 Etiquette Mistakes That Even Smart Professionals Make September 8, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Good business etiquette skills go a long way to increase your influence and position you for career advancement. But, sometimes, even the most “seasoned” professionals drop the ball and make mistakes when it comes to proper business etiquette. Consider how you can set yourself apart as a more credible and polished professional by avoiding these… Read More
No Phone Brunch – 3 Reasons to Put Your Phone Away July 19, 2018 | Rachel Wagner There’s a new trend called the No-Phone Brunch. But, the concept can be applied to any restaurant meal or when out having drinks with friends. Here’s how it works: Everyone puts their phones in the middle of the table, and the first person to reach for theirs has to pay the entire bill. Sounds harsh,… Read More
5 Power Words and Phrases to Use at Work July 12, 2018 | Rachel Wagner Using power words and phrases at work helps inspire a more enjoyable workplace environment for everyone. Power words help motivate, encourage and build mutually respectful relationships with team members, clients and customers. Negative words can tear down, intimidate and discourage. Pick the power ones. It’s part of good business etiquette. You can’t go wrong with… Read More
How to Give a Great Handshake in Business July 3, 2018 | Rachel Wagner A great handshake in business communicates a message of warmth, sincerity and trust. However, while a great handshake might not get you the deal, you don’t want to risk giving a poor one. For example, if your handshake is limp or just grips the fingers, it sends a message of weakness. If it’s a bone-crusher,… Read More
How Do You Eat a Wedge Salad? July 3, 2018 | Rachel Wagner “How do you eat a wedge salad?” is a question that comes up often in my corporate and university dining etiquette training sessions. I normally suggest not ordering “difficult-to-eat foods,” especially at a business meal. But, with the ever-popular Iceberg Wedge Salad gracing restaurant menus everywhere, I wanted to give my attendees the confidence-building tips… Read More