Fathers Don't Miss Opportunity to Teach Manners: No Kicking Soccer Balls in Panera

As Father's Day is approaching, I thought about how a father's (and mother's) duty is to teach their child manners. This is in all areas: at home, at school, in the community, when out and about, including at restaurants (however informal the venue), and many other areas of their lives.

While visiting Panera in Maple Grove, MN yesterday, I saw a young teen kicking a soccer ball around in the restaurant. What was surprising was (1) he was with his father who said/did nothing to stop the behavior, and (2) Panera staff said/did nothing to stop the behavior.

When I looked at the teen kicking the ball, and then to his father, his father simply pulled the teen out of the main walkway while still allowing his child to continue kicking the ball around.

It is important for parents to be proud of their children and provide encouragement for their child's talents. However, kicking a soccer ball around in a restaurant is not only impolite, it is dangerous.

Unfortunately for this teen, his father missed an opportunity in teaching his son the basics of courtesy toward other patrons and toward staff.

If you are a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, older sibling, or other key adult in a child's life, don't let opportunities to help a young person learn civility and respect pass you by.

June Birthstone

Sometimes Nature provides us with perfect examples of recognizing and respecting differences in others. For example, gemstones. Gemstones come in many varieties and compositions.

June birthstones are pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone.

I especially love pearls...they come in all shapes, sizes, colors, with imperfections and quirks, just like people! To learn more, about June's birthstones, see: The American Gem Society.

International Civility Awareness Month

As May is International Civility Awareness Month, each day I'll be sharing simple ways that each of us can demonstrate civility in the various arenas of our lives. I welcome your thoughts and examples too!

May 1: Look the store clerk in the eyes when you say thank you. This has more meaning than a quick, "thanks" as you fumble with your wallet with head down.

May 2: Let that semi-truck merge in front of you on the freeway...even during massive rush hour traffice.

May is International Civility Awareness Month

May is International Civility Awareness month. Civility is critical to a well-functioning family, workplace, school, community, state, nation, and world. When it is missing in one arena of our lives, the other arenas of our life can be off kilter. It isn't always easy to deal with others tactlessness, rudeness, cluelessness, and boorishness. However, it is how you respond to such incidents, and how you behave in general that are key to creating more civility in the world we share.

Civility encompasses many aspects of positive social behavior:

 








(You may copy the picture for your use, though as it is copyrighted, please do site the source.)

Each one of us can make a positive difference in someones life. A tweak here, a tweak there... Each moment you have an opportunity to choose how to respond, to think, to be. What choices will you make in your next interaction?

Can I Apply Lipstick and Powder at the Dinner Table?

In workshops, I have often been asked if it is appropriate to apply lipstick and powder at the dining table. Etiquette guidelines have changed over the past 60-70 years on this subject which has led to some confusion. From an etiquette perspective, here’s the scoop.

In the 1950s, it was perfectly acceptable to powder ones nose at the table, whereas today it is considered inappropriate. Excuse yourself to the restroom for a quick powder touch up.

Regarding lipstick, if you are with friends, it is fine to quickly and discreetly apply lipstick after the meal (though no lip liner, and without using a mirror).

If you are at a business meal, applying lipstick and other makeup touch ups are best done in the restroom. You want to be remembered for your business savvy, not your makeup application savvy.

"Business Etiquette Essentials" Training, June 23, 2012, Twin Cities

We have added a "Business Etiquette Essentials" workshop for June!

During this program, you will learn tools that will give you the ability to interact confidently and communicate more effectively, and the skills needed to put others and yourself at ease.

Topics covered: Winning Solutions for Effective Personal Branding - Introduction of Self and Others - How to Respond to Introductions - Making Your Eye Contact Confident and Respectful - Basic Body Language - Types of Handshakes and Their Meaning - Business Card Protocol - Techno Savvy E-mail, Cell phone, Handhelds, Texting, Social Media - Conversation Skills Basics - Tips for Remembering Names - Protocol of Engaging In and Ending Conversations -Tasteful & Taboo Topic of Conversation - Business Dining Etiquette Skills (Host & Guest Duties, Understanding the Table Setting, Oops! What to Do, Gracefully Paying & Tipping, and much more!) - Professional v. Business Casual Attire - Importance of Accessories

Date: June 23, 2012
Time: 9:00a-2:00p (registration at 8:45a)
Location: Axel’s Charhouse, 2540 N Cleveland Ave., Roseville, MN
Fee: $149; Lunch Included
Click Here to Register

April Flower and Gemstone of the Month

The gemstone for the month of April is the Diamond which represents innocence.

There are two flowers representing the month of April.

The Sweet Pea represents happiness and bliss.

      (photo courtesy of steve-h)

The Daisy represents purity, simplicity, loyalty.