One Minute Manners

by SABATH, ANN MARIE

• ISBN13: 9780767923309
• ISBN10: 0767923308
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-02-13
• Publisher: Crown Business

Summary

What makes the difference between an ordinary professional and an extraordinary one? A mastery of business manners. That's why Ann Marie Sabath's pocket-sized guide to business etiquette emergencies is indispensable for new hires and college graduates just starting out, as well as a valuable tool for career veterans looking to add finesse to their workplace repertoire. Unlike typical business etiquette manuals which run over with irrelevant advice,One Minute Mannersis the source for quick solutions to the most awkward situations any professional will ever face at workas taught by Sabath during her twenty years of domestic and international etiquette consulting for Fortune 500 companies. In her trademark, easy-to-understand style, Sabath assists professionals in overcoming awkward situations such as: A bore has latched on to you at a company event. How do you tactfully break away? You've mistakenly forwarded a confidential message to the wrong person. Now what? You show up for a client meeting only to realize that you're dressed too casually. What do you do? You want to introduce a client; however, his name has escaped you. What do you do to get the person to say his name? Covering everything from how to deal with the fallout of a hasty e-mail to discreetly letting a server know you are picking up the bill for everyone at the table,One Minute Mannersminimizes business awkwardness and maximizes your chances for professional success.

Author Biography

ANN MARIE SABATH is president of At Ease Inc., the corporate etiquette training firm she founded in 1987. Her clients include such prestigious firms as Marriott, Citigroup, Procter & Gamble, American Express, and many others, and she’s been profiled everywhere from Forbes to The Wall Street Journal to USA TODAY. She divides her time between New York and Cincinnati.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. xi
In the Workplace	p. 1
Communicate Correctly	p. 27
Business Dress Conundrums	p. 49
Office Politics and Meeting Manners	p. 65
Dining Dilemmas	p. 87
Social Events	p. 113
Travel Manners	p. 129
International Etiquette Emergencies	p. 143
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

IN THE WORKPLACE

Greetings and Introductions

Awkward Situation:
Not being able to attach a name to the face of the person approaching you.

One Minute Solution:
Simply extend your hand and say your first and last name. Better chance than not the person will mimic you–with his name, that is. However, if you definitely know the person and his name still escapes you, simply speak in general terms without using names. For example, you might say, “What’s been going on since we last spoke?” General questions may trigger an answer that will bring the person’s name to mind.

Actions and getting to the point speak louder than a lot of jibber–jabber. Rather than being labeled as a person who gives TMI—too much information (e.g., “I’m sorry, I’m so bad with names. I’ve forgotten your name. How do we know each other?”)—let your handshake and name be the cues that prompt the other person to greet you using his name.


Handling The Unknown

Awkward Situation:
Wondering if you should say, “It’s nice to meet you” or “It’s nice to see you” when an individual greets you, making you feel as though he is a long lost friend.

One Minute Solution:
When you find yourself in this awkward situation, say, “It’s nice to see you.” Even though this person may be unfamiliar to you, this greeting will be perceived as warmer than “It’s nice to meet you.” “It’s nice to meet you” also implies that this is the first time you are meeting this person.

Oftentimes individuals may recognize you without you necessarily knowing them, especially if you are in a highly visible position. When you find yourself in this situation, remember it’s not about you, it’s about making the other person feel comfortable.


Yes, Sir

Awkward Situation:
Being unsure of how to address individuals higher in rank than you.

One Minute Solution:
This varies widely based on the corporate environment. If you are being introduced to Mr. Smith, the CEO, for the first time, you should err on the side of conservative by responding, “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Smith.” But on subsequent sightings of the CEO in the hallways, it is perfectly alright to say, “Good morning, how are you?” instead of the more formal “Good morning, Mr. Smith.”


Meeting and Greeting: Barry, Larry, or Garry?

Awkward Situation:
Having someone greet you using the wrong name. For example, “Larry, it’s good to see you.”

One Minute Solution:
Simply extend your hand and say your correct name: “Gary Smith. It’s good to see you, too.” By extending your hand and saying your name, you’re accomplishing two things: (1) you’re reciprocating the greeting, and (2) you’re helping the misinformed person learn your name. By handling this faux pas in a diplomatic way, you’re also sparing this person the embarrassment of calling you by the wrong name throughout the conversation.


Making the Connection: Don’t Make More of It Than It Is, or Move On

Awkward Situation:
Mistaking someone as a coworker’s brother/roommate/friend only to learn that the person is his personal life partner.

One Minute Solution:
Don’t make more of it than it is. Simply say, “It’s nice to meet you” followed by a point of common interest and/or the environment in which the gathering is taking place. Nothing more, nothing less. In the future, avoid assuming others’ relationships.

Relationships come in many forms. You can be certain that the couple will only be as comfortable as you make them feel based on how you react to the situation.

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Excerpted from One Minute Manners: Quick Solutions to the Most Awkward Situations You'll Ever Face at Work by Ann Marie Sabath
All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.