Happy holidays! It’s time for most businesses to close down in observance of Christmas and the New Year. But when we’re constantly caught up in the fast pace of the office, it can be hard to stop working entirely and to enjoy the time off. A few extra days without constant meetings and incoming requests: it seems like the perfect opportunity to catch up on forgotten emails and unfinished to-do lists, or to start on projects planned for next year. Feel free to get a head start on January, but be aware that over-working – especially during the holidays – could have negative effects on family and friends, colleagues, and yourself.
A work-life balance is essential for every professional. Here are a few points to consider if you plan to keep your BlackBerry or laptop running throughout the holidays:
Posted on December 23rd, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Holiday Etiquette | No Comments »
Are you vacationing this Christmas on a sunny beach or in a faraway romantic city? Or will the New Year bring business travels to out-of-town meetings or conferences? Wherever your travels take you, most likely you will choose to stay in a hotel as your accommodation. There’s nothing new about a weekend in a standard hotel – we’ve been checking in and out of them since our childhood vacations and continue to frequent them on our business trips. Even so, a reminder of the protocol for hotel visits is always beneficial when packing up to leave home. Whether on holiday or business, one must remember that staying in a hotel does not allow for the same privacy and personal space as being at home – and must be aware of how to act accordingly.
For either vacation or a business trip, here are a few tips for a courteous and appropriate hotel stay:
Posted on December 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Business Etiquette, Holiday Etiquette | No Comments »
It’s December 23rd, and all you want is to be home with your family in time for Christmas. Instead, you are stuck in an airport with thousands of other stranded travelers. Weather delays, crowded airports and planes, the potential of missing Christmas altogether – there are many reasons why travel can be the least desirable part of the holiday season. Fuses are short and tension is running high, often leading to conflict or rudeness between stressed travelers. But there is no reason for disrespectful behaviour; the holiday season should be a time to show extra kindness and joy. Here are few tips for traveling with courtesy and with style – certainly a wonderful holiday gift to your fellow travelers!
Posted on December 7th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Holiday Etiquette, Travel | No Comments »
Consider your usual written correspondences: most likely you write and receive dozens of emails every day, and text messages fly in and out of your cell phone. Concise and rapid messages are ideal on busy workdays when there are plenty of proposals, meetings, and follow-ups to fill up your schedule, not to mention your inbox – and now, PDAs and tablets have made written communication more efficient than ever. Of course, when we are so accustomed to quickly skimming messages on a screen, receiving a classic handwritten card or note is a special occasion. This is why writing Christmas cards is one of my favourite holiday traditions – it is a wonderful yet extremely simple gesture that sustains personal connections not only between loved ones at the holiday season, but also between business contacts and partners.
Posted on November 28th, 2011 by Diane
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When it comes to corporate gift giving, many people tell me they feel they are navigating a mine field. Spend too little and you risk seeming unappreciative; too much and you risk embarrassing both your client and yourself.
As the holidays approach, rather than feeling anxiety over what to give, look at this as an opportunity to strengthen the bond with your clients, and express how you appreciate working with them. It isn’t hard if you follow few simple do’s and don’ts.
Posted on November 24th, 2011 by Diane
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Let the festivities begin! It’s time to celebrate the season at the office holiday party. Where are you headed – to an after-work cocktail, to a semi-formal party or dinner, or to a full-out formal gala? And, have you decided what you’re going to wear? Planning your office Christmas party attire can prove to be more of a holiday chore than holiday cheer – especially if you need a quick office-to-party switch, or if you are trying to balance a fair share of seasonal expenses. Here are a few suggestions that can help you choose a festive and original outfit, perfectly matched to the occasion (and to your budget).
Posted on November 18th, 2011 by Diane
Filed under: Dress, Fashion, Holiday Etiquette, Menswear | No Comments »
Maybe you call him Dad, Pops or Papa, even Tom, Dimitri or Geraldo. In these days of blended families, chances are you reserve the word “Father” for that special day in June that always falls on the third Sunday. This year, the 21st is Father’s Day. There’s no doubt about it, Father’s Day is a [...]
Posted on June 18th, 2009 by Diane
Filed under: Holiday Etiquette | 2 Comments »
