DEATH AND MOURNING GUIDE
She’s dead … Incredulous, you are speechless. Your whole body is trembling. Chills are run down your spine. Although you knew she was ill and even if you were not close to her, it’s still a shock. From near or far, expected or unexpected, you are never ready for the fog of death. As November […]
ORGANIZE YOUR OFFICE FOR ULTIMATE PRODUCTIVITY
Like you, your office projects an image. The majority of employees judge the state of their colleagues’ offices in terms of their efficiency and their ability to do their work. What does your workspace say about you? Does it look inviting and trustworthy? Then what about your credibility; could it be harmed by the state […]
HOW TO DENOUNCE RACISM WITH COURAGE AND CALM
You were shocked by George Floyd’s death. The scene of the black American begging the policeman who had his knee on his neck “I can’t breathe” haunts you. You don’t tolerate discrimination. You want justice. You’re a pacifist. You know that silence is not the answer. Silence in the face of discrimination is more contagious […]
FIVE EMAIL GUIDELINES TO AVOID RUINING YOUR REPUTATION
“Click, click, click”, everybody clicks. You, your boss, your colleagues, your customers, everyone is typing on their keyboards. According to a Carleton University study, the average Canadian employee spends one third of his time writing or replying to 121 emails a day, spending 11.7 hours per week. With nearly a third of your day spent […]
HOW TO TALK POLITICS
Everyone knows that one should never talk about politics, and especially not here! All the advice you have heard and read on the art of conversation is very clear: never talk politics in public, especially not at work. But, as you read this post, down the hall, in front of a water cooler somewhere in […]
STRESS-FREE 3, 2, 1 HOSTING METHOD
The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it is also the most stressful time of the year, if you are hosting. As the daughter of the forever hostess with the mostest and as a certified etiquette and protocol expert, my best advice for a stress-free party is a 3, […]
SAYING NO TO CHARITY DONATION REQUESTS
I am writing in anticipation of charity donation season in our office. I am a mid-level manager in a very dynamic work environment. Quite a few of my colleagues are eager volunteers. They run, they bake goods, and they organize galas. Their children skate, sing, and dance for causes too. There is also their school, […]
AFTERNOON TEA; THE PERFECT SHOWER THEME
The shower being an exclusive activity for women and celebrated in the afternoon, Afternoon Tea is the perfect theme to inspire you from the menu to your outfit. As an etiquette specialist, I will guide you on all the traditions and trends. ORIGINS The origins of Afternoon Tea date back to the 1840s. Around 4 pm, […]
INSPIRE, MOTIVATE AND ENGAGE WITH FOUR VERBS
As a manager, your responsibilities are likely to include planning, preparing as well as an active participation in the recruitment process and the selection of candidates. Once hired, it’s also up to you to engage, inspire and motivate new recruits as well as veterans alike. Here are four verbs to help you be the manager […]
27 IDEAS TO NETWORK ONLINE
Soon it will be your turn. Maybe not tomorrow, next week or next month, but soon you will meet new contacts at the Chamber of Commerce for a lunch and learn, or that you will be attending a conference to network with your peers. While waiting for the return of reunions and to meeting new […]
COGNITIVE BIASES AND PREJUDICES FOR AN INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
I’m biased, you’re biased, etc. You’re biased, you’re prejudiced. Surprised? Shocked? Interested? I know, I know. You love everyone, of all colors, equally. But it’s a fact: even if you’re a professional who values diversity and inclusion, you’re biased and prejudiced. I assure you, being biased and having prejudices is perfectly human. So am I. […]
NEGOTIATING: HOW TO GO FROM DIFFERENT TO WIN-WIN
According to Justice Québec: “Negotiation is the basis of all dispute prevention and resolution methods. It is based on voluntary communication and discussion between two or more people to resolve disputes.” Even if many people think that negotiation is reserved for diplomats on the international scene, you know that negotiating is at the heart of […]