Confrontation is inevitable in business – just like friendships. Take a moment to contemplate. The
Have you ever told off a friend in person, left an ugly voicemail or sent a flippant e-mail, only to regret it? Sure you might have had cause. Sure the other person may have started it. But somehow, after going with your gut reaction, you’re the one who is feeling bad. Who hasn’t? No one is exempt from a bad day or making mistakes. There’s power in pausing before acting spontaneously. The same thing applies to business where consequences are more severe. Chances are you’ll get a second chance in making amends with a personal relationship before you will with an employee or customer. It’s not easy taking the high road and definitely not a

Just Say Thank You
Halloween is a time when witches, divas and superheros venture out for trick-or-treating. It’s also a time when you meet a lot of ungrateful munchkins. You know the ones. They come to your house in search of goodies, and before you know it, they’re off to the next house — without saying thank you. It’s just wrong. But it especially stings when people go out of their way with elaborate halloween decorations. Those are the ones who give the best candy. Instead of getting a quick “thank-you” they hear things like: “Trick-or-treat, smell my feet, what you got for me to eat?” Is a simple, heartfelt, “thank-you”

Q. The day before my lunch date with a business associate, he asked me if he could bring another ass
A.Even if it’s not your preference, it’s difficult not to include someone at their request. If you were hoping to make a sale at a first meeting, I can see why you might want to meet alone. But a first meeting is generally just an introduction, allowing you to get to know each other a little better, so it shouldn’t matter. Why rock the boat before you can even get together? Etiquette consultant Chris Bryant agrees – sort of. He believes the situation could be handled in two different ways, depending on the nature of the meeting. “If the meeting purpose is of a personal or sensitive nature, it would be totally appropriate to express th

Q. I enjoy showing my personality with jewelry accessories. Can it diminish my credibility in busine
A. Now that depends on how you show your personality. Are we talking nose rings and tongue jewelry or simple necklaces? There’s nothing wrong with wearing jewelry accessories, as long as you don’t go overboard to the point where people in a business environment focus more on your jewelry than your actions and capabilities. Showing your personality with simple diamond studs will never be an issue. But wearing earring hoops the size of a bracelet can be a problem – unless you work for a costume jewelry business. Would you trust a doctor wearing big bodacious jewelry? Or would you feel more assured if the only thing you noticed when he or she walked in