Etiquette Educators Feel Relief

Etiquette Educators Everywhere are breathing a big sigh of relief.

Thank you to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for bringing back protocol and etiquette. We lost both essential skills during these last four years. 

No matter what side of the aisle you stand, this is not a political post. We are talking etiquette and protocol, and both were on display today! 

First, everyone was prepared, standing proud and greeting each other with kind eyes, a hand to the heart, and a respect for the other person's space. I loved that there was no crowding, and everyone had a healthy respect for each other was noted in the calm and collected way everyone moved. Yes, everyone was wearing a mask.

The amount of gratitude in the room was palatable. President Biden made sure he went out of his way to say thank you and express his gratefulness. Did you know that the emotion of gratitude is contagious? I love the idea of always being grateful. 

The tremendous about of respect everyone showed to the media, security, family members, volunteers, staff, and each other was fun to watch.  

President Biden made sure he created an event during the oath of office that included all his staff. President Biden spoke with empathy, caring, kindness, dignity, and respect. He reminds his team that politicians work for the people, and he delivers a passionate speech about being kind, respectful, and considerate to each other. 

President Biden also warned that if he hears that any of his staff treats anyone without dignity, they will be fired immediately. 

He is making sure that his team all have a safe and secure work environment. Creating a culture of respect is essential and a model all businesses should strive to honor. 

This is leadership. This is kindness. This will strengthen all of us. 

 Presidential to mean "befitting the dignity and character of the presidency" is essential for our children to witness. 

Soon, we will be back together, and we don't want to lose our manners. Here are a few quick tips and a book I recommend. 

If you are sitting down and have the opportunity to meet someone, stand (if you can) to greet your new friend. Standing up is a lost art, but if you want to stand out in a crowd, bounce up and greet.

Remember, not everyone will be ready to hug, so please be sure to keep the space and ask before you grasp. Pause your Paws. Don't hug, just shrug (smile). 

During today's inauguration, we witnessed a lot of greetings with a hand to the heart. Holding your hand over your heart may be a nice trend to continue until we are comfortable about shaking hands. 

Be thoughtful of others and watch your words. Many people have lost family and friends to COVID-19. Loss of life, loss of income, loss of friends, isolation, and many emotions have been the center of many people's lives. If 2020 was your best year, know your audience before you start to share. Put your focus on the other person and find out how they managed in 2020. 

When leaving a meeting and exchanging contact information, take a second to ask the best way to continue communication. This way, you are not guessing if they like to text, DM, LI, email, or another app as a way to communicate. 

For a great updated book on the subject of manners, I recommend 

Keep Your Distance!: YOUR GUIDE TO HANDLING COMMON DILEMMAS IN UNCOMMON TIMES Order Rosalinda Randall book here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HQ1RLV1/ref=sr_1_2?Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.x=15&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.y=11&dchild=1&qid=1599681991&refinements=p_27%3Arosalinda+oropeza+randall&s=books&sr=1-2&unfiltered=1