Poised for Success by Jacqueline Whitmore

14 Mar

Mind Your Global Manners At Home and Abroad

A few of months ago while attending a conference in Chicago, my conference host invited me and a few other conference speakers to dinner at a local steakhouse.  It didn’t occur to the host until much later in the evening that one of the couples in our group was from India.

Just before he took our order, our server presented a silver platter of raw steak to the woman from India!  Unbeknownst to our host, most people from India are vegetarians and don’t eat meat because the cow is considered sacred!  I felt very embarrassed for the couple and for our host.  Instead of making a fuss over the awkward situation, the couple simply ordered pasta.

Have you ever made a faux pas while doing business with an international client?  In this global economy the chances of doing so are very high. To stay competitive in our ever-changing business climate, cultural competence and a global mind-set are musts.  To help you get a head start on your international manners, here are eight helpful tips: Read more

March 14, 2010 | Filed Under Different Customs, International Etiquette | Leave a Comment 

Students Get Lessons in Etiquette

Photo by Cord Ivanyi

Cord Ivanyi is a hero in my book! He’s teaching more than just Latin at Gilbert Classical Academy in Gilbert, Arizona — he’s bringing civility, manners and good, old-fashioned etiquette back to the classroom.

It’s no surprise that this type of education is sorely needed as most parents don’t teach their kids manners at home like our parents and grandparents once did. Kids these days are more plugged into the Internet, iPods and Wii games instead of being plugged into the social skills necessary to build relationships with their peers. Read more

March 4, 2010 | Filed Under Children's Etiquette, Inspiration, Uncategorized | 1 Comment 

Author and style sage Alan Flusser shares his secret for dressing well

Years ago, when a man decided to buy a new suit, he turned to the most trusted professional he could afford to guide him in his single largest wardrobe investment. Today’s well-helled turn to Alan Flusser. Having authored four best-selling books on men’s dress and style, Flusser is the president of Alan Flusser Designs, a menswear business he founded in 1979. He is responsible for dressing some of the most famous men in the world. Additionally, he designed wardrobe for Gordon Gekko (played by Michael Douglas) in Wall Street, and Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman. In this short video produced by men.style.com, Flusser gives a little sartorial advice for dressing well.

March 1, 2010 | Filed Under Business Etiquette, Dress for Success | 2 Comments