Leadership Toolbox: Effective Communication

 

 

A good leader can express his or her ideas, knowledge, opinions and strategies effectively. A good leader also does not work in isolation of others, but rather communicates and collaborates with fellow colleagues and employees.

Communication skills are an essential component of your leadership toolbox, as a leader not only needs to foster connections and value others who work toward the same organizational goals, but also needs to be convincing and clear about his or her unique contributions. Additionally, communication is one of the three core pillars of Executive Presence. According to the Executive Presence study published last year by the Center for Talent Innovation, there are “no small actions” when it comes to communication – meaning that everything you say and do will contribute to the overall message you send.

How can you communicate effectively, from the small-scale daily interactions to the large-scale messages? A few good communication practices can help you put your best ideas forward and foster constructive relationships with other professionals.

Presenting Your Best Self

Small Scale – Daily Interactions

  • Most days, we compose dozens of emails. Each message will be most effective and memorable when the ideas are presented clearly and concisely, in well-organized sentences and paragraphs. Don’t disregard the “packaging” of a message as well: the use of proper titles, salutation, signatures and good grammar all contribute to the validity of your message and how convincing it can be.
  • A one-on-one conversation may not be as decisive as a presentation or a speech, but the way you speak and carry yourself still matters before an audience of one. Clear speech, good posture and body language, and organized thoughts will make for a successful conversation.

Large Scale – Communicate to an Audience

  • If you need to share your knowledge or thoughts with not one person but many others, you need to be well prepared to deliver a remarkable presentation or speech.Preparation is key – preparing slides and visuals, practicing not only what you say but how you say it, keeping watch on your tone of voice, body language and composure – will keep you relaxed and focused. When you are prepared and comfortable in your ideas, you will be able to “command a room,” an elemental quality of Executive Presence.

Collaboration through Communication

Small ScaleWorking with Individuals

  • When collaborating with employees, use your ears as much as your voice, if not more so. Those who work for you need to know that their input and contributions are valuable; otherwise they themselves may not feel like a valued employee.
  • In giving and receiving feedback, always do so graciously. Providing criticism that is too harsh fails to be constructive, and accept any input on your own work with the objective to improve what you do.

Large Scale – Communicating to your Company

  • If you don’t have the opportunity to interact on an individual basis with all of your employees, it does not mean that you should not communicate with them. Find ways to connect with your employees and keep them informed, such as company newsletters, networking opportunities or recognition events.
  • It is important for the work of an organization’s employees to reflect the mission and vision of that company. As a leader, it is up to you to ensure the mission and vision are communicated effectively and that employees form a robust understanding of the objectives of the organization. Find creative ways to share the vision of your organization with employees, so they grasp and appreciate the “why” of your company.

Effective communication incorporates both the ability to present yourself and your knowledge well, and to collaborate professionally with those around you. Strong communication skills in both regard will make you a strong leader.

 

 

Business attire for women on the move

 

 

From zipping around the city from client meeting to partner lunch, to traveling cross-country or cross continent on a regular basis, business often requires women to be on the move. For women who need to look their professional best and want to maintain comfort through long hours and distances, this can pose a challenge. Not to worry: You can still look chic after spending days on the road or hours on the go, with a few extra wardrobe considerations.

Treat your feet
In choosing shoes that will take many steps, make sure you have support – with a proper insole. These can be bought separately and inserted into any shoe, but some are already made with excellent support.

For business casual attire or when on the road, a classic-yet-contemporary loafer will go best with cropped pants and is a comfortable choice. This Johnston & Murphy pewter loafer has a supporting insole, and the pewter adds shine to an otherwise simple look. This season’s Coach Nicola penny loafer also has a plush insole and adds a pop of colour to a spring outfit in coral or mint shades. Both are made of soft leather, which adds both comfort and class to the look.

For outfits where high heels are a must, turn to Canadian designer Ron White, whose design combines comfort and style in high heel shoes. Ron White’s All Day Heels are just that – a heel you can wear all day! Don’t believe it? The designer incorporates NASA-developed material into the shoe to create a long-lasting comfortable fit, while his unique design makes for a beautiful heel.

We’ve also gotten great advice from Lisa Ferguson, the founder of Decor Mentor, on the six essential elements of a perfect trade show shoe. Watch the video on TheHome.com to hear Lisa elaborate on these six qualities:

  1. Rubber soles to absorb the impact of hard surfaces and decrease back fatigue
  2. Platforms keep your sole farther away from the ground, lessening the impact of hard surfaces. Look for about .5”
  3. Wedge or chunk heels for stability
  4. Supple real leather uppers with openings or perforations to allow your fee to breathe (no manmade materials!)
  5. Minimal stitching across the width of the shoe to allow for stretching
  6. Cushiony suede in soles are like shock absorbers, feel like slippers and allow your feet to breathe!

A crisp look
After hours moving between work and meetings with more to go, a shirt can begin to look rumpled. Want to look sharp until the last appointment of the day is over? Try a wrinkle-free blouse, like these non-iron women’s dress shirts from Brooks Brothers. Not only will these shirts hold their crisp look for the day, they also travel well for those on the road without time to spare for ironing. Also, stow one of these shirts in a drawer or closet at the office, for those times when you need to refresh with a quick change or take a last-minute flight for a meeting.

Freshen up
Few and far between can look their very best after hours of work or travel without freshening up every so often. There are a few tricks and techniques to keep you looking like you did at 9:00 am – and luckily, they all fit into your purse or briefcase!

In choosing a perfume, find a scent that has a complementary travel sized roll-on or mini-bottle format. Spritz your fragrance in the morning when you get ready, then refresh later in the day with a quick swipe from your purse-sized perfume. Most fragrances offer packages that include both regular and travel sized formats.

 

 

Why New Hires Need Business Etiquette – and How They Can Get It

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The transition between university life and a professional workplace isn’t always seamless. Adjusting to a major shift in workplace culture, protocol and dress takes time and effort. That said, with training, seminars and resources, recent graduates and new hires can be well equipped to jump right in to a professional environment –and your company can help them to do so.


Why do new hires need business etiquette?

For those who have been working professionally for years, many aspects of professional life come as second nature. But for those just entering the workforce, certain protocol can be new territory. Notable examples:


Dining Etiquette

When dining for business, there are many more guidelines to follow that simply dining with family or friends, at home or in a restaurant.

Business dining often takes place in a more formal setting, which requires know-how of more extensive table settings and flatware as well as behaviour.

Additionally, the question of alcohol may come up, in which case it is not always obvious to a new hire that alcoholic drinks should only be ordered if the host encourages the order, and if so, no more than one alcoholic drink should be consumed in a business context.

Finally, keeping good conversation going throughout the meal is an art in and of itself. The savvy diner will not engage in controversial discussion, and will discuss business matters only when it seems appropriate to do so.


Interview Etiquette

Before a young person is even a “new hire,” they’ve got to get the job first! No matter how impressive a resume may be, poor interview etiquette may detract from a candidate’s chances of landing a job.

Punctuality is absolutely essential for a job interview – even if a candidate is only 5 minutes late, many employers will simply write off that opportunity. That said, a fine balance is necessary; in other words, getting to an interview too early can be awkward, especially in small companies. Arriving approximately 10 minutes in advance is a safe bet.

A handwritten thank-you note after an interview is indispensible. Coming prepared with other hard-copy materials is also helpful as well; for example, a copy of a resume and cover letter for each staff member conducting the interview, and a business card or reference letter if applicable.


Professional Dress
The expectation for professional dress and image, even in business casual settings, can be vastly different than on a university campus. It can help new hires immensely to have the dress code outlined right at the start of employment and to have an idea of the differences between business formal, business and business casual dress codes.

How can new hires acquire business etiquette?

New hires can learn the basics of business etiquette and professional image right in your company.

By engaging new hires in etiquette training, ranging anywhere from a full-day seminar to a one-hour Lunch and Learn session, your company will help young professionals become accustomed to new protocol. Additionally, this can help your company is well – with etiquette training as soon as they begin their positions, your newest employees will be able to represent your company’s brand well and will be trusted to interface professionally with your company’s partners and clients.

Young professionals can also acquire business etiquette training during their degrees; undergraduate commerce degrees and MBA programs now often require an etiquette component before graduation. If you work in a university or career counseling setting, consider offering business protocol training to all undergraduate students – because good business etiquette is relevant for any professional!

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For those interested in our etiquette training services, here are two testimonials that may be of interest:

#1 Dear Diane,

Thank you for sharing the link to the dining video. I find it impressive that it covers how one should behave when he is the host or the guest, as well as how to manage gratuities.

I would like to also thank you very much for yesterday’s session. It was extremely useful and I feel that I learnt many new things when it comes to business etiquette. 

I especially appreciate the information and advice you have provided on how to behave in business networking events. Again, thank you so much.”

#2 “Hi Diane,
I love my new job. People are very nice here. I’m learning a lot from my new job.

Last week my company sent me to Montreal for a conference, held by one of the leading investment systems maker in the world. All the Canadian clients of this company came to the conference. Task given to me by my manager was to make contact with everybody. There was a cocktail party, dinner and conference that took place over 2 days. 
 
What I learnt from you helped me a lot. I think I’m very fortunate to have met you. I used all the things you taught me. It was very successful. I saw lot of people who came unprepared for the event. I read the Executive Presence manual you gave me before I went and it helped me remember what you taught me. Thank you so so much again.”

 

I’m already a top executive. Why do I need Executive Training?

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If you are satisfied with your career, have secured your dream job, or have worked your way into a senior management position, you have reason to be proud – these are all major career accomplishments. Be wary, however, of thinking that once you have “made it,” there’s nowhere else to go: everyone, even highly successful and accomplished executives, always have more to learn.

There are many reasons why top executives, senior managers, VPs and CEOs can still benefit from executive training programs and seminars, even if the objective is not to move up in a company. You can keep growing within your current role or you may have the opportunity to make a lateral move in a much larger organization, expanding the scope of your role.

 

Executive Training…

… Benefits your company

  • Improving on how you build authentic business relationships, network, communicate and your overall Executive Presence can help you to make more effective and valuable connections, which in turn can facilitate more client deals and partnerships for your company. Who you are and how successful you are as a professional directly influences the success of your company as well.
  • Executive Training will also refine your leadership skills, which in turn will help you to manage your employees more effectively. A good manager will allow employees to grow as individuals and within an organization, making them a more skilled and efficient staff. A strong leader will also foster strong and lasting connections with employees.

 

… Will help you adapt to changing times

  • Today’s workforce is not what it was twenty years ago, ten years ago or even five years ago. With new generations entering the workforce, new technologies becoming part of daily routines and new methods of communication emerging because of these technologies, a successful executive cannot remain static in a dynamic business world.
  • Executive Training keeps you up-to-date on the current best practices in business etiquette and protocol for new and developing methods of communication. In addition, improving your Executive Presence will sharpen your skills to handle fast-paced change and pressure.

 

… Is a process of lifelong learning

  • Executive Presence and its related skills and knowledge do not happen overnight. This is something that requires not only coaching, but also years of practice. To achieve the gravitas of an ideal professional, it requires years to build a reputation and good standing, prove your integrity, determine your vision and develop the ability to handle extreme pressure with grace and confidence.
  • Remember, no matter how successful you are and how much you have achieved, there will always be room to grow and develop. Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning is also a sign of a great leader.

 

 

Office Etiquette: Do or Don’t?

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Most days at the office, basic practice and common knowledge help us to navigate situations and keep our days running smoothly. In certain situations, however, there can be a fine line between “do” and “don’t” for best protocol. What can help in these moments? Reflection, perspective, patience – and the tips below for added insight!

Have you found yourself in any these situations? What are your tips for best protocol?

Phone calls in open offices

For those working in open concept environments or cubicles, taking phone calls in earshot of several colleagues is a daily occurrence. What is the best practice when you know that someone will hear your conversation?

  • Do: Take normal calls with non-sensitive information at your desk. It is unreasonable to expect employees to find a private space every time they need to make a call.
  • Do: Keep your voice down to a normal or low tone, so it is not too distracting for others around you.
  • Don’t: Take any phone calls that will involve private information, such as salary rates or employee personnel. Find a quiet space, or book a private, closed-door office for the duration of the call.
  • Don’t: Use speakerphone. This includes music playing while your call is on hold, or a conference call you would prefer to take hands-free.

Managing issues

Whether you have an issue with a co-worker, are over your workload capacity or simply need advice, effectively managing workplace issues is key to being a great professional and having a functional work environment.

  • Don’t: Engage in workplace gossip. The friend or colleague you complain to won’t be able to provide guidance from an organizational perspective, and gossip always holds a high risk of backfiring. Not to mention, gossip breeds negativity.
  • Do: Elevate the issue to your supervisor or manager. Have an upfront, rational and professional conversation about the issue at hand.

Wardrobe mishap

One wardrobe mishap can be a source of great frustration: spilling coffee on a blouse or suit jacket, say, or accidentally dressing down for casual Friday when an important client meeting looms that same afternoon. What to do in these situations?

  • Don’t: Panic. If you’re down and out on the wardrobe front, a last resort could be to step out for an emergency dry clean or even a new shirt purchase, or to head home over lunch hour to change.
  • Do: Be prepared. This means keeping an extra suit jacket hanging on your office door or in the coat closet for unexpected spills or formal occasions.
  • Do: Keep tabs on your schedule with wardrobe concerns in mind. Make a mental note (or even a note on the appointment itself) when there is a critical meeting, presentation or formal event in the day’s activities, so you can remember to dress up a notch when need be.

Late to an important meeting

This is a situation to be avoided at all costs, but inevitably, tardiness happens. When it does:

  • Do: Send a quick email or text to the meeting organizer that you are going to be late, so that the group can proceed without you.
  • Do: Apologize profusely – to the meeting organizer and to the attendees, especially if others’ schedules will be impacted by your lateness.
  • Do: Email any contributions to the attendees following the meeting that you would have shared during the duration of the meeting itself.
  • Don’t: Make a habit out of being late! Punctuality is an essential characteristic in a successful professional.

 

 

Why Employee Retention Matters – and How to Achieve It

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For any company, employee retention is important for clear reasons: when an organization retains its employees, it means the staff is dedicated and satisfied; additionally, the employees’ years of experience contribute to a well-informed and efficient staff. If you are a leader within a company, you inevitably contribute to employee retention and need to plan to retain employees who are high performing.

What are some tactics to achieve employee retention in your company?

Cultivate employee growth and development

  • On an annual basis, it is a good idea for an organization to require all employees to define their goals and objectives for the year ahead. Take this opportunity to allow employees not only to map their upcoming year, but also to envision a path of growth and advancement several years down the line. This will encourage employees to think long-term at your company, and will send a message to them that they are valued in the company’s extended plan as well.
  • Provide opportunities to employees to grow and develop as professionals generally. This could include dedicated training sessions or programs for business etiquette, or a weekly or monthly Lunch & Learn session on a range of topics. Employees will welcome an opportunity to learn alongside their daily work, and their skillsets will expand because of it.

Focus on staff morale

  • Keeping employees happy and satisfied in their work is crucial to retaining good staff. In an earlier blog post, Boosting and Maintaining Employee Morale, we discuss three ways to promote employee morale in the workplace: create a culture of communication, foster friendliness among coworkers, and acknowledge accomplishments. For concrete examples and more on this topic, click the link above to read the post.

Encourage challenges – and reward employees accordingly

  • A high-performing staff will thrive on professional challenges and great goals. The first step, then, is to hire high-calibre employees. Hiring is not a process to be approached lightly; finding excellent employees who will fit well in a company means multiple resume reviewers, seeking employees with an impressive work history or credentials, and at least two rounds of interviews for top candidates.
  • Once your staff is comprised of those who are willing to accept challenges, use high goals to enable them to thrive: inspire them to bring their own ideas to the table to advance a project or reach a milestone, and expect results from their work – requiring that they measure, document, and present their success.
  • In all their demonstrations of excellence, ensure that employees are acknowledged accordingly with due credit, both informally through verbal or written praise and formally through honours or salary increases at appropriate opportunities.

Warning: though employees should be challenged and often will find success within such tasks, do not overwork your employees. If staff members feel pressured to work beyond their capacity on a regular basis to meet goals, this will have the opposite effect on your retention strategy. To prevent employees from burning out, encourage maintaining a work-life balance and opportunities for wellness, both in and out of the workplace.

 

 

What Makes a Great CEO?

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What makes an excellent CEO? Standard leadership traits come to mind – initiative, skill, dedication – all of which are important in a CEO, but are not the only factors in a truly unique, admired and successful leader. What other values are important in a corporate leader, both for the employees of a CEO’s company and for the general public?

What Makes a Great CEO?

A great CEO is…

… Someone who sets an example

For a corporate leader, there are many ways to define “setting an example.” First, a CEO can set a personal example for his or her employees, setting the tone in the company for work ethic, good character, creativity and professionalism based on how he or she acts on a daily basis. Many employees look to their CEO for the gold standard.

A CEO also has the ability to set an example on behalf of the company. As a leader, especially for a well-known company, the CEO has the responsibility to act as a spokesperson for the company. Based on conduct, a CEO can influence – positively or negatively – the public image of the company.

Finally, a CEO can set an example by acknowledging and engaging in responsibilities outside of his or her own company, through corporate social responsibility or by encouraging employees to be involved in and give back to their communities.

… Someone who values his or her employees

No matter the size of the company, a good CEO must demonstrate that he or she values the employees and their contributions to the company. Based on the number of employees, there are various ways to show this appreciation:

If a CEO is leading a small company, does he or she interact regularly with all of the employees? Does he or she seek the opinions and advice of employees, and thoughtfully acknowledge the contributions of each employee, no matter their position? If so, these are signs of a good CEO.

If a CEO is leading a large company, does he or she effectively communicate to hundreds (and possibly thousands) of employees that they are all valued? Does he or she have an influence on how the various levels of management interact, so that guidance is distributed on a personalized and individual level? If so, these are signs of a good CEO.

… Someone who has gravitas

Gravitas is a foundational element of Executive Presence. Gravitas itself is a set of characteristics, which include confidence, decisiveness, integrity, emotional intelligence, reputation and vision. All of these traits are essential in a successful CEO.

Whether employees are on a first-name basis with their CEO or have never even met their CEO, they need to trust that their CEO can handle pressure from all sides and will steer the company with grace and foresight. Gravitas embodies the myriad components of a great leader.

Acknowledging Great CEOs

National and international accolades honour corporate leaders who demonstrate exemplary qualities. One such award is the Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year program, for executives in Canadian business who have led their companies to achieve global excellence while maintaining trust and integrity.

Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year selection criteria include Vision and Leadership, Corporate Performance, Global Competitiveness, Innovative Business Achievements and Social Responsibility. What are your criteria for an outstanding CEO? Have you worked for an excellent CEO, and what were his or her best qualities? Share your experience in the comments below!

Workplace Culture: What Defines it, and Why is it Important?

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Workplace culture: this general term is often used to describe the atmosphere of an office, and can be an indicator for workplace attire and other formalities of a company. However, workplace culture can encompass so much more than simply office attire – and can even influence the direction of your company. In this post we examine workplace culture, and what a good culture can do for your organization.

What defines workplace culture?

Workplace culture is influenced by the fundamentals of your company, as well as the daily behaviours of your employees.

  • The foundation of workplace culture is based on the foundation of your organization itself. The mission and vision of your company, its products and services, and the target audience or consumer of your company’s message all influence the way it is both projected to the public and reflected internally.
  • On a daily basis, your employees and colleagues also influence workplace culture. Their attitudes toward work, their behaviours and work habits, as well as their styles – in the broad sense of the term, which could include style of dress, character, communicating and more – all contribute to the overall environment.
  • Finally, the way in which the management team runs the company and treats its employees significantly influences the office culture.

What does workplace culture influence?

Workplace culture has an effect on both the internal employees and external stakeholders of an organization.

  • The feel of an office in turn affects how the employees feel – and function – on a daily basis. If a workplace culture is unwelcoming, overly formal, unreceptive, or any number of negative atmospheres, the employees will internalize these sentiments and perhaps even begin to reflect them. On the other hand, in an office that promotes good communication and strong but not rigid structure, staff usually will function well under these parameters.
  • Workplace culture also influences how clients and other external stakeholders perceive a company. On a superficial level, if a client steps in to a company on any given day, it should look professional and tidy. Additionally, workplace culture can indicate to a client or partner just how efficiently and effectively a team is working.

Why is a good workplace culture important?

Simply by reviewing the myriad components and effects of workplace culture, we can already see that the culture of an office can influence its success greatly.

  • In a good workplace culture, employees will thrive. An effective workplace culture will make employees feel comfortable, not only on a daily basis, but also in serious situations where a serious issue may arise and employees can trust that it will be handled appropriately.

For employees, an effective workplace culture also means that there is structure and professionalism, which will facilitate efficiency and structure in their own work. In turn, when employees thrive and feel valued, companies often see a higher retention rate and a greater value of work from its staff.

  • Also, no matter what the level of formality, from business casual to business formal, a good workplace culture means that a client or key stakeholder can walk in at any time and perceive the company as high-caliber and professional. Workplace culture is flexible and subjective, but good quality is not.

All employees influence the culture of their workplace, simply by their presence. Managers and other leaders of a company, however, have a truly significant influence by setting a precedent and creating a trusting and professional environment. If you are in a leadership role, reflect on how you influence your workplace culture – and if you have the power to make changes to improve it.

Learn more about workplace culture and Toronto workplace etiquette classes at Corporate Class Inc.

 

The What, When, and How of Thank-You Notes

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The handwritten thank-you note should not make an appearance only for Christmas presents and on wedding days. In fact, thank-you notes are an integral part of business protocol – and of standing out from the crowd when it comes to good business practice.

An expression of due gratitude is appreciated, whether it takes the form of an in-person thanks, a call on the phone or an email. However, even in the digital age, do not dismiss the classic handwritten note: this small gesture can go a long way in a business context.

When?

In which contexts should you write a thank-you note, and when should you do it?

After an interview

  • Thank-you notes are a must after interviews. Though you will express thanks in person immediately following the interview, always follow up with a handwritten note to each member of the interview team – not simply a blanket thank-you note for the whole panel.
  • A thank-you email shortly after the interview is acceptable, though it is still necessary to follow up with a handwritten note even after an email. Some choose to email thanks on the same day of the interview while your conversation is still present in the reviewers’ minds, and won’t be compromised because of the necessary delays with sending a note in the mail.
  • Write and post the handwritten note on the same day of the interview, so that it arrives at the recipient’s office within 2-3 business days.

After a business lunch

  • Write a thank-you note after a business associate takes you out for a nice lunch, whether the reason is for a meeting, networking or otherwise.
  • Similar to the interview context, an in-person thanks after the meal is necessary but not enough. Or, as the Forbes Essential Guide to the Business Lunch advises, “A simple, ‘Thank you so much for a lovely lunch,’ will suffice, as you will be following up with a handwritten thank you note.”

Thanking clients for their business

  • After a particular deal, exchange or milestone, thank clients through a handwritten note for their business. Clients will appreciate being recognized for their business, and a valued client will more often be a consistent client.
  • Thank clients during the holiday season for their business throughout the year. This thank-you note may take the form of a holiday card and a gift as an extra thoughtful gesture.

What?

What does an ideal business thank-you note look like?

  • In business, refrain from thank-you notes with comical designs or a lot of detail. Simple yet elegant cards made of white or ecru paper with no more than two to three colour variations are excellent standards. Professional thank-you cards can be either a flat card or a fold-over card.
  • For classic examples, see Crane & Co.’s elegant bordered flat card  or traditional fold-over. The inner lining of the envelopes match the print of the “Thank You” and details on the card. Have a box of 8 – 10 business thank you cards like these on hand, plus a nice ink pen, to have at the ready when a situation calls for thanks.

How?

How do you write and address an effective thank-you note?

  • For a thank-you note after an interview, mention a topic that you discussed and that particularly interested you during the interview, such as, “I enjoyed hearing about the social media duties of the Programmer position and I am excited to learn more.” Alternatively, if you cite a topic you and your interviewer connected on, they will remember you better personally.
  • To address a thank-you note, on the outside of the card write the proper title of the recipient, e.g., Dr. Jane Smith or Ms. Roberta Jones. On the inside of the card, address the recipient how you would refer to him or her in person. If you are unsure, stay on the safe side and use a title and last name instead of a first name.

Thank You Note etiquette is an essential part of overall business etiquette. Click to learn more about how to develop business etiquette skills.

 

Step Into Spring: Spring Fashions for the Office

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Image: Jcrew.com

Step outside in early March and you will experience just a hint of the coming spring in the midst of the cold and gray. But despite a persistent winter outdoors, spring fashion is already in full bloom – characterized by cheery pastels, bold geometric patterns, and light, airy suits. What better way to usher in the season than by wearing it straight to your office? Here are some spring trends and a few ideas on how to incorporate them in your wardrobe.

Colours: Bright Pastels

  • Coral is everywhere this year, brightening up clothing, accessories, makeup palettes and nail colours. Take this cheerful pink-orange colour to the office in the form of a crisp coral button-up oxford and tailored light pants. Or, go all-colour with a professional dress in coral instead of the usual black or grey, like J.Crew’s Wear-to-Work Memo Dress. Pair it with a complementary teal bracelet.
  • Teal is another fresh pastel making its way into spring fashion. Teal and coral go well together, the light green-blue of teal complementing the pinks in coral, as seen in Lise Watier’s Spring 2013 Pastel Power makeup line.

Lightened-up Suits

  • Bright pastels work well in a business-casual to business setting. However, if you’re in a suits-only setting, this does not mean you cannot embrace spring. Revise suit colours and materials to fit fairer weather; this Banana Republic suit in white or dusty pink is a fresh example.
  • Another suit choice for the fair season is a light or white blazer with dark trim. The contrast sharpens the lines of the jacket and adds personality to the outfit without being too daring.

Geometric Patterns

  • To make a bold statement in professional attire, try out another spring trend: geometric patterns and deep jewel tones. Banana Republic’s Mad Men collection embraces the mod style of the early 1960’s with dresses, pants and scarves of crisp patterns comprised of deep Kelly green and navy blue jewel tones.
  • Holt Renfrew’s Modern Geometry collection is another line demonstrating spring’s geometric patterns, with black and white contrasts making a similar eye-catching statement. For a sleeveless dress or top with striking shapes and colours, make it office-appropriate by dressing it up with a simple blazer.

Cropped Pants

  • Inspired by the coming warm weather, pants cropped at the ankle are everywhere in the spring line-ups. This style of pant can range from casual to professional – again, depending on your office culture and dress code. Crisp, clean lines are ideal for the professional setting; see the Café Capri pant by J. Crew for a sleek example.

Even if your office holds the standard of gray, black, or navy suits year-round, nothing says that you can’t step into spring with bright colours and bold patterns on evenings or weekends, or by adding even a small colourful accessory to a traditional suit. After all, winter has persisted for long enough – it’s time to ring in spring!