etiquette Archives - Professional Courtesy, LLC

Be Kind to Everyone

February 20, 2015 by procourtesy

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Remember when your mother used to tell you to “mind your manners” when you left the house. Well, maybe your mother didn’t, but mine did. Those manners to be minded weren’t just about saying please and thank you or chewing with your mouth closed. They were about the way we treat people and the importance of being kind to everyone.

One Londoner got a big surprise after he told someone to #%&! himself on a crowded subway ride later to find out that that same man was the person who was interviewing him for a job. Needless to say, the rude man did not get the job. Read more…http://mashable.com/2015/02/20/london-commuter-job-interview/

The way we treat all people is very telling about our character. And it isn’t just the people we think matter…it’s everyone. In fact, for me, it is a real measuring stick about an individual. If they use the right fork at dinner, but are rude to the wait staff, they don’t win any points with me.

So, here are some of my tips are how to treat everyone with respect:

Don’t swear at people, even if you feel like it. To swear at people, any people, is a sign you lack self-control.

Be kind and respectful to wait staff and people in service positions. It may be their job to serve you, but it isn’t their job to take your abuse.

Smile and be polite to the receptionist in any situation, but especially going in for job interviews. Her boss may be asking her later how you treated her.

Control the road rage. You never know who you might be flipping off or shouting at.

Be kind, even if people are unkind to you. Returning rudeness with rudeness is a no win situation. And it says you are rude too.

So, the next time you feel like screaming at someone, take the high road and remember, diplomacy is an art. And being kind is the right thing to do.

Ballet Etiquette, Part II

November 3, 2014 by procourtesy

Ballet Etiquette, Part II
Thanks again to Lucia Rogers for contributing to my blog. As you will see in reading, she is passionate about dance and gives us some insight into how dance and the arts can enrich our lives. Here is some etiquette on attending a performance.

Attending a Ballet…
There is nothing like seeing a live performance; there is something very special about being there in the moment with the artists on the stage. It is live; no stop, rewind or redo….it is about being in the moment and hopefully being swept off your feet or taken to a different place while the dancers perform. I have seen my fair share of live performances but I’ll be honest in saying that I have spent far more time performing on stages rather than sitting in those plush seats!
We are heading into the holiday season and for many, a holiday tradition, is attending The Nutcracker. There are many versions that will grace stages all around the country as well as many other ballet classics and new works after the holidays. So here are a few tips to attending a dance performance and getting swept away…

Dress appropriately: Just like with any event the venue and subject will help you decide on what is appropriate to wear. A lot of companies are staying true to the traditional venue with classic ballets; however, many are incorporating a bit more casual series to their seasons. This is, in part, to hopefully expand who they reach by using more non-traditional settings and more contemporary repertoire. This has opened the doors to those who might not have attended in the past.
Be in the know: Dance usually does not have a dialogue so knowing what is going on beforehand will help in your understanding of the subject. Some ballets and works have a story and others are open to interpretations so the playbills usually have a wealth of information not only about the performance you are about to see, but also the dancers and their credentials. Some attendees also take this a little further and may do some research on the web about the dancers, music, company and/or performance before they attend. So allowing yourself plenty of time to arrive, mingle and get organized is encouraged. Doing this after the lights go down can often be a distraction to the artists as well as those around you. We would also hate for you to miss a special moment!
Appreciate the artists/choreographers: Artists-dancers, musicians and more have dedicated endless hours of work and this is their life and passion. There are always exceptions but as artists they don’t often go into this for the money, so showing your appreciation for their art is just one way of saying “thank you.” Applause for the conductor, dancers, choreographer, etc. are always welcomed at appropriate moments. Often times this is done for impressive technical movements and after pieces or sections. Dancers show their appreciation of the audience and their applause by a bow or curtsey, but there is nothing worse than to leave a stage as a dancer and the applause quickly fades or is gone. However, that is also something dancers have to be aware of so as to not take their sweet time after their dancing and ask too much of those watching.
Respect: All basic rules apply with respect. Respect to the venue and employees, respect to other attendees, and respect for the artists and the work that they do. With technology continually advancing the opportunity to record and take pictures can be done with such ease. This is great for our everyday life and experiences but for these live performances patrons are often asked to turn all electronic equipment off. This is not only to prevent any disruptions but also to prevent any pictures or videos being acquired illegally by an audience member due to copyright/trust/union agreements. This is becoming more and more of a problem so audience members respecting this request is very much appreciated. Many companies are selling or offer other options for those interested in photos or videos to remember the performance or dancers. It never hurts to see what might be available with your favorite company or artist!
The world of the arts and dance is so rich in history and has so many wonderful benefits; attending a live performance can be an enriching experience! As an artist I love nothing more than to share a piece of myself and become the role or character as it is an honor to perform for those who attend. The appreciation is more than you even know….My hope (as well as many other artists) is that you feel something or that you are taken along for a wonderful little journey in that hour or so. It is a very vulnerable yet exhilarating state that we put ourselves in, but I couldn’t imagine it any other way as true artistry and honesty comes from this. So check out the dance world; there are so many exciting things going on and continually evolving. There is something for almost every palate, so everyone should be able to find a performance they will enjoy!

Selfie Etiquette

August 5, 2014 by procourtesy

Selfie Etiquette
Selfies have come a long way since the one of Thelma and Louise from the movie by the same name. And as in everything else that comes into our lives, taking selfies requires some etiquette guidelines. It also requires a sense of what is in good taste and bad taste. Now, I know taste can be subjective, but there are some things that just seem wrong when it comes to taking selfies.
Here is my list of situations that I consider to be in bad taste when and where “selfies” are taken:
Don’t take photos at funerals or other religious ceremonies. Pulling out your cell phone at a funeral or in the middle of any other solemn service is disrespectful.
Don’t take a selfie at a wedding ceremony. It isn’t your story to tell.
Don’t take photos in areas that are considered hallowed ground. For instance, cemeteries or other places that are preserved to remember people who have died or suffered a tragic situation.
Don’t take pictures of yourself or others in the hospital. It can just be too much information. If you wouldn’t discuss your recent ailments in a networking situation don’t take a picture of yourself and then share it on social media.
Don’t take pictures that capitalize on other people’s tragedies. For instance, at accident scenes or of people who are in compromised situations.
Don’t take selfies of yourself in intimate situations. Those things can come back to haunt you and become a real liability.
Don’t take photos of yourself driving. Not only is it dangerous, it is just plain stupid.
Don’t over do the selfie on social media. After awhile, it can look a little narcissistic.
So, if you wouldn’t want your mother or boss to see it, don’t post it. And even better, don’t even take the picture.
If others are in a picture get their permission before taking the photo and posting it.iv>

American Flag Etiquette

July 2, 2014 by procourtesy

American Flag Etiquette
With the Fourth of July coming up in two days, here is a little American Flag etiquette for you from the U.S. State Department website.

Guidelines for Display of the Flag

Public Law 94-344, known as the Federal Flag Code, contains rules for handling and displaying the
U.S. flag. While the federal code contains no penalties for misusing the flag, states have their own
flag codes and may impose penalties. The language of the federal code makes clear that the flag is
a living symbol.
In response to a Supreme Court decision which held that a state law prohibiting flag burning was
unconstitutional, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act in 1989. It provides that anyone who
knowingly desecrates the flag may be fined and/or imprisoned for up to one year. However, this law
was challenged by the Supreme Court in a 1990 decision that the Flag Protection Act violates the
First Amendment free speech protections.
Important Things to Remember
Traditional guidelines call for displaying the flag in public only from sunrise to sunset. However, the
flag may be displayed at all times if it’s illuminated during darkness. The flag should not be subject
to weather damage, so it should not be displayed during rain, snow and wind storms unless it is an
all-weather flag.
It should be displayed often, but especially on national and state holidays and special occasions.
The flag should be displayed on or near the main building of public institutions, schools during
school days, and polling places on election days. It should be hoisted briskly and lowered
ceremoniously.

The flag should never be draped or drawn back in folds. Draped red, white and blue bunting should be used
for decoration, with the blue at the top and red at the bottom.
The flag may be flown at half-staff to honor a newly deceased federal or state government official by order of
the president or the governor, respectively. On Memorial Day, the flag should be displayed at half-staff until
noon.

Other Things Not to Do with the Flag
Out of respect for the U.S. flag, never:

dip it for any person or thing, even though state flags, regimental colors and other flags may be dipped as a mark of honor.
display it with the union down, except as a signal of distress.
let the flag touch anything beneath it: ground, floor, water, merchandise.
carry it horizontally, but always aloft.
fasten or display it in a way that will permit it to be damaged or soiled.
place anything on the flag, including letters, insignia, or designs of any kind.
use it for holding anything.
use it as wearing apparel, bedding or drapery. It should not be used on a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be attached to the uniform of patriotic organizations,
military personnel, police officers and firefighters.
use the flag for advertising or promotion purposes or print it on paper napkins, boxes or anything else intended for temporary use and discard.

During the hoisting or lowering of the flag or when it passes in parade or review, Americans should
stand at attention facing the flag and place their right hand over the heart. Uniformed military
members render the military salute. Men not in uniform should remove any headdress and hold it
with their right hand at their left shoulder, the hand resting over the heart. Those who are not U.S.
citizens should stand at attention.

When the flag is worn out or otherwise no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed
in a dignified way, preferably by burning.

For more information regarding the American Flag go to:

http://answers.usa.gov/system/templates/selfservice/USAGov/#!portal/1012/article/5002/The-American-Flag-and-its-Protocol

George Washington’s Rules for Civility

February 18, 2013 by procourtesy

George Washington’s Rules for Civility
Today starts the beginning of President’s week in the U.S. It is the time we honor President’s George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Both of these men are well-known and left quite a legacy. Their beliefs emphasized freedom for individuals and certainly helped form the foundation of America. They also believed in consideration for others and talked about “civility”; a word that is still buzzing today.

Etiquette books have been around for thousands of years. The behavior they promote is as relevant today, as it was in generations past. Take a look at Washington’s Rules of Civility and see what you think.

http://www.history.org/almanack/life/manners/rules2.cfm

Civility and decent behavior helps support a society and civilization. Without it we are certainly at risk for perishing.

Be Kind to Everyone

American Flag Etiquette

George Washington’s Rules for Civility

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