Excuse Me
The Survival Guide to Modern Business Etiquette
A new book by Rosanne J. Thomas
Please visit one of the following sites to place your order.
Amazon
Indie Bound
Named to Success magazine’s 2017 list of best books to make you successful!
Introduction
Blending different generations, genders, and cultures brings energy and fresh perspectives to the workplace. But the flip side is an environment ripe for confusion and social blunders. Mix in increasingly open-plan workplaces and constant connectivity, and the chance that we’ll unintentionally annoy or offend others increases exponentially.
Exactly what are the rules these days? Is it acceptable to text your boss at home? What is the polite way to ask a colleague to take a distracting conversation behind closed doors? What about the use of smartphones in meetings? Merging classic rules of behavior with new realities of modern business, Excuse Me spotlights dozens of puzzling situations, with suggestions for bridging divides.
The book untangles the nuances of:
Meeting etiquette • Interview expectations • Proper office attire • Electronic manners • Privacy in tight spaces • Eye contact and nonverbal cues • Small talk • Business dining • Social media use • Working remotely and flexibly • and more
While the youngest employees might seem unruly, the oldest can seem rigid. Good manners create an atmosphere of respect, and smooth the way for everyone to succeed.
Book Reviews
“…a really fun book to read. Thomas has augmented her smooth writing style with examples that make it easy to relate to her practical advice. I also enjoyed the annotated endnotes in which she provides reference to contemporary data underpinning today’s concept of business etiquette.”
– Amy Lindgren, nationally syndicated columnist, Working Strategies.
(Reviews in: Fort-Wayne News Sentinel, July 28, 2017, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 7/30/17, Pioneer Press, St. Paul, Minnesota, 7/30/17)
“Throughout, there are helpful hints about managing four generations in the workplace, understanding the impact of civility (9 out of 10 employees have experienced bad behaviors in the workplace) and pondering how to future-proof a career, no matter what age. A great refresher on manners, plus related business-world advice.”
– Barbara Jacobs, Booklist, July 25, 2017
“Both novice and experienced workers will find a wealth of business etiquette and a book that, instead of excusing bad behavior, could help prevent it from happening in the first place.”
– Barry Silverstein, Foredword Reviews, September/October 2017
“The collapse of clear-cut rules of etiquette, the advent of open-plan offices, and increasing connectivity spur energy and creativity. At the same time, the chance of unintentionally offending someone (even your boss) skyrockets. Thomas offers guidance on such up-to-the minute issues as cellphone use in meetings, proper office attire, electronic manners, business dining, telecommuting and more.” – – Chauncy Mabe, Success Magazine Reading list, August, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE – Respect: Practicing the Platinum Rule
Real Respect
Respect for Experience
Respect for Diversity
CHAPTER TWO – Social Skills: Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Social Skills
The Hiring Process
The Interview Experience
The Generational Challenge
CHAPTER THREE – Professional Presence: Getting It Right
The Right Brand
The Right Attitude
The Right Appearance
The Right Way to Travel
CHAPTER FOUR – Business Behavior: Combining Proven Strategies with 21st Century Expectations
The Glass Door
Everyday Manners
Business Meetings
The Team
The Cubicle Farm
The Open Office
The New Schedules
The Benefits Buffet
The New Realities
CHAPTER FIVE – Business Communication: Making the Connection
Nonverbal Cues
The Eyes Have It
The Good Conversationalist
The Power of Speech
The Good Listener
CHAPTER SIX – Electronic Communication: Smart Rules for Smart Devices
Telephone Skills
Telephone Options
Email
Hardware
The Message
CHAPTER SEVEN – Twitter, Etc.: Acing Social Media
Your Digital Footprint
The Cyber Citizen
The Social Network
Social Sites
CHAPTER EIGHT – Business Dining: Observing the Formalities
The Business of Hospitality
Hosts and Guests
The Mechanics of a Meal
Dining Decorum
CHAPTER NINE – The Social Side of Business: Knowing the Basics for Every Situation
Entertaining Clients
Wine
Tipping
Activities and Events
Colleagues
CHAPTER TEN – New Frontiers: Future-Proofing Your Career
The Future Workplace
Gen Zs
Constant Connectivity
Digital Detox
The Eternal Truths
Conclusion
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