I am a woman of faith who knows beauty matters and that beauty is everywhere in many forms. Beauty is a gift to us from our creator. We are each creative in our unique way.

 

I capture that beauty in my painting, my photographs, my speeches as well as the poems and books I write.

 

Surround yourself with the beauty you create in words, thoughts, deeds, dance, song, wardrobe, or baking bread. Photograph or post for yourself the beauty you create as both an affirmation and a reminder to build on them.

 

Reflect it in your behavior. Bring love and graciousness to everything you touch, using your words, your actions, your presence, your smile and your body language to create change.

 

Embrace the Beauty of Behavior® that etiquette practices foster such as shaking hands, writing thank you notes, and resolving conflict with graciousness and skill. These skills and practices create and sustain relationships and establish an atmosphere of belonging and productivity.

 

Our more relaxed society and workplace may signal that etiquette and protocol practices are no longer a necessity.  Actually, it is quite the opposite. These practices are more necessary in a fluid society to manage awkward or unfamiliar situations.

 

National Business Etiquette Week is held annually the first week in June (June 5-10, 2023). It was started by the Protocol School of Washington to develop strategies for how people can interact well in business situations.  The strategies also work well for our everyday social interaction.

 

During this month, I will outline some simple strategies that we can follow on a regular basis.

 

First and foremost, greet others, introduce yourself and introduce others. Our names are important. Know and pronounce names correctly. If you are unsure, ask. Apologize if you use the wrong name. Use the name as often as you can to keep it in your memory. If you forget someone’s name, say “Please remind me of your name”.  If it appears that someone has forgotten your name, help them by gently and quickly offering your name. If someone mispronounces your name or calls you by the wrong name, respectfully tell them your correct first and last name. If you frequent a business on a regular basis, learn the names of the people who assist you and use the name often.

 

Use kind, empowering, clear and gracious words in interactions with others. How many times have you quickly responded to or received a text and realized that not a lot of thought went into the words that were chosen?  Words are powerful. Take a moment to read your communication before it is forwarded.