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April 4, 2019
It’s a great time of year to take to the open seas! Before you step on board, here are a few cruise ship etiquette tips to help you and your fellow shipmates create an amazing cruise experience!
Courtesy is Key
Think of your ship like a floating hotel, except with thousands of other people! Every little courteous gesture goes a long way on board. If for example, there’s a line at the elevator, taking the stairs burns off some calories from the chocolate lava cake. If you are a slow walker, have mobility issues or your party has a stroller, move to the right side of the narrow hallway to let others pass by (midship cabins also offer the shortest walk to the elevators).
Catching some downtime in your cabin after an excursion? Speak a little quieter than normal as your neighbours may have the same idea as you!
Formal Gives Way to Chic
Left your ball gown at the cleaners? Not to worry! The dress code on most nights nowadays is Smart Casual and Above. Many cruise ship lines have given Formal Night a modern luxury reboot with Evening Chic night. Men can wear dark jeans with a button-down shirt and blazer and women wear cocktail dresses. Dressier is perfectly fine, but more importantly, feel free to leave the tux and gown at home. Daily programs delivered to your stateroom identify the type of evening planned. You can always check out the dress code online before you embark for more details on cruise ship etiquette. Lastly, swap out your sand-covered flip flops for dress shoes when you head to the dining room.
It’s Food O’Clock
Cruises are known for outstanding buffets and restaurants. Most food, and occasionally alcohol, is already paid for so it’s easy to overindulge, especially since you’re in vacation mode! Remember that too much food or alcohol can enhance the effects of rocky seas and it would be no fun at all to spend your vacation recovering in your cabin. Go ahead and sample items you normally wouldn’t make at home, just remember they won’t run out of food so eat when you are hungry.
Poolside Politeness
Do you enjoy getting laps in early before you head off for a couple eggs bennie? Fantastic – you’ve got lots of pools to choose from! Just make sure you take your towel, flip flops and sunscreen with you afterwards rather leaving them on a chair to seat-save. The next person heading to the pool area will thank you.
Keep An eye on your children
Do you struggle to find activities for your children while on holidays? Most cruise lines have wonderful childrens programs that allow the parents a few hours of fun in the sun while the kids are safe at play. For age appropriate activities, consult the Guest Conduct Policy to find interesting activities for them to do. When not under the supervision of the cruise crew, be sure to keep an eye on your kids so that they are safe and not disrupting other passengers. Cruises are not a vacation from parenting (no matter how good the spa is…)
Timing Is Everything
Cruising means disembarking at exotic ports of call, learning new cultures and treating yourself to new life experiences. You and the other 2,000 people. If you leave the ship when it’s at a port of call, think twice about indulging in another mai tai if you are cutting it close. The ship WILL leave port on time. You don’t want to be that couple that are running down the boardwalk as the ship is pulling away from the dock. Know the time zone you are in so others aren’t waiting for you.
The Tipping Point
Generally speaking, most cruise lines have a set tipping amount that gets automatically added to your account. The amount is a reasonable, per person, per cabin figure and covers the dining staff and cabin steward. Introduce yourself to your stateroom steward. They will help make your cruise memorable, keep your room clean and provide you with any information you require.
For off ship excursions, read what is customary for the countries you are visiting. In countries like Canada and the USA, leaving a tip is the norm. But you might be surprised to learn that in some countries, tipping is not customary, or it is built into the cost of the meal. If you are not sure, better to leave 10% at the minimum to be safe.
Be Social
Take a photo of yourself and your group as your ship is leaving the embarkation port and share it on your social media profiles. Remember to hashtag the name of your ship so others on board can follow. Use this opportunity to ask cruise-related questions, meet new friends and learn about shore excursions. Cruise ships not only suggest it but welcome it!
No matter if this is your first cruise experience, or your 20th, cruising has become a way of life for the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Keeping cruise ship etiquette in mind will make your cruise memorable and fun!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Dining Etiquette, International Etiquette, Just for Fun and tagged travel, cruise ship, cruising, cruise etiquette, international
March 28, 2019
You’ve sent out the agenda, booked the boardroom, organized the AV equipment, and the lattes and muffins are waiting on the side counter. As Department Manager or Director, you’ve done all the pre-meeting preparation and are ready to chair your meeting! You’ve arrived 15 minutes early to ensure all is ready and the attendees are filing in.
Whether your meeting is formal or more informal, the following procedure is generally accepted meeting practice:
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged meeting, Boardroom, Chairperson, agenda
March 8, 2019
What makes a great leader? The answer is as varied as leaders themselves: A quick Google search of the term “leadership” turns up more than two billion articles. Amazon alone lists more than 60,000 tomes on the subject.
Great leaders have been classified as stern, empowering, intimidating, pioneering — in other words, all over the map. Is leadership a case of knowing it when you see it?
I’d argue that you know a true leader when you feel it. Leaders make us aspire for something currently out of our reach, yet make us sure we’re capable of reaching it. They don’t force us to strive; they inspire us to.
There’s a saying that a leader serves with her head, hands, and heart. I agree.
The head: Great leaders are clear in their purpose. They cut away clutter and disorder until everyone can see the path forward. They are straightforward in their decision making. Great leaders have the strength of character to understand — and do — what’s best. They leave their projects, organizations or communities in better shape than they found them. That takes an organized mind, an ability to prioritize what’s important, and the wisdom to shift gears when necessary.
The hands: Great leaders are willing to “leave their thumbprint” on a project, as Sarah Weddington once said. They are personally invested in creating success and broad-minded enough to realize that their success belongs to the people around them. Great leaders pave the way for others to shine, and they’re willing to put in the work and may have to weather criticism to do it.
The heart: Great leaders are authentic in their interest in people and their problems — their ability to emotionally connect is a superpower. They listen deeply and are intent on learning, and their willingness to find solutions flows from their empathy for other people. Selfless leaders are personally secure enough to realize that true growth, not personal accolades, is the ultimate achievement.
Ultimately, great leaders are those who communicate with their heads, their hearts, and their hands to build people up and achieve outstanding results. My hope is that we create a world where more women recognize these excellent qualities in themselves and feel empowered to follow through on their potential.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Communication, A Page of Insight and tagged Leader, leaders, leadership
March 5, 2019
Organizing an upcoming meeting? In today’s busy world everyone is multi-tasking; juggling both personal and work-life. With more and more meetings on our agenda, sometimes its difficult to get anything accomplished!
It doesn’t have to be that way though. With a little preparation, meetings can be very useful and productive. Here are seven tips that not only help you take control, but make sure it’s productive and is a valuable use of your time and that of others.
- Get to the Point
Identify the reason for the meeting. Does your department need to be updated on a new company initiative? Is there a problem that needs solving? Is input necessary from various stakeholders to solve a recurring problem or issue? Most importantly, before you set up a meeting, make sure a meeting is required. Can it be resolved via email or a quick face to face with another staff member? Whatever the reason for the meeting, knowing ahead of time what the purpose is ensures a more productive meeting.
- Who needs to be there?
The outcome of Step 1 will determine who needs to attend the meeting. Identify any key decision-makers and staff members that need to be informed (as part of their role) and anybody that will be involved in implementing a deliverable. If you are new to the firm and have not yet met all the attendees face to face, get familiar with their position in the firm and with their background.
- Book it Danno!
Determine the size of the space required and book the room well in advance. Make sure it can accommodate the number of people attending and it has the necessary technology (could be you need a phone or just a mic) access to any AV equipment required. If the attendees will be participating in a virtual setting,test the equipment ahead of time so that everyone can see and hear properly.
- Let’s Talk about it
Draft a suggested agenda that outlines the time and place, purpose of the meeting, attendees, assigned roles and objectives. Determine if any supporting documentation is required and who needs to supply it.
- Presentation Templates
If there is a company presentation template available, provide it to any attendees that will be presenting. For some great resources, see my blog post from January 31, 2019, “Eight Helpful Resources to spark your creativity”.
- Get the word out
Email the agenda along with any supporting documentation to the key participants for comments or questions at least one week ahead. Post the meeting on any team-sharing digital calendar if one exists.
- Ready, Set Go!
On the day of the meeting, print agendas and documentation for all the participants. Sometimes this is digital for those wanting to save paper and be green. Take care of any last-minute details such as coffee and equipment, etc. Lastly, as meeting chair, arrive 15 minutes early to make sure the room is all set up and ready to go!Soon: How to run a meeting using Roberts Rules of Order.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged meeting, meetings, office
February 17, 2019
What is the first thing that comes to mind when someone says the word ‘family’? Consulting a dictionary tells us that the definition of family is, “a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household”. A second definition is, “all the descendants of a common ancestor”. However, as our we enter the 21st century, the definition starts to take on a much broader scope.
The Modern Family
Families today come in a variety of shapes, sizes, ethnicities and genders. Perhaps it’s time to re-engineer what the word means. As per the TV show ‘Modern Family’, today’s family truly defies the traditional meaning. Today it could mean single parent households, multi-generational, a child-less couple, same-gender couples with children, and couples with adopted children to name a few. Gone are the days of ‘Leave it to Beaver’ where the only concept of family is a mother and father with two children. Today’s meaning is much more open and inclusive.
Sometimes though, the bonds you create with people in your life can be just as important as blood relatives. Families can be chosen too. We all know the saying, “you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your family”. But I think you can. Your family can be the people in your life that you want to consider as family.
Human beings are social creatures and families are very important to our social structure. They add stability, financial security, happiness, emotional security and a general feeling of belonging and well being. Communities benefit from the family unit as it is relieved of the burden of supporting people who need the extra help.
Let’s look at the 2nd definition of family. Our prehistoric ancestors were also very social. The caveman version of family was a tribal unit. They lived in a very communal setting and quite often traveled together as a unit to seek alternative living areas when the seasons dictated. Research indicates that these ancient tribal communities were polygamous, and children were raised in a much more communal-style setting. Some social anthropologists would agree that human beings as a species are not meant to be monogamous.
The Mother of everyone Alive Today
Ever heard of “Mitochondrial Eve”? Anthropological scientists believe all humans alive share a common ancestry. We carry evidence of this ancestry in our DNA. We all carry a 47th chromosome that resides in the mitochondria which is also found in an unbroken line of matriarchal ancestors stretching back to Africa. Scientists have identified this ancestor from 150,000 years ago as being related to all of us. She is the mother of everyone alive today. This woman is Mitochondrial Eve. In the truest scientific sense, we are truly all family.
Some of you are lucky enough to be living in a country or provinces/states that have a designated national Family Day like in Canada, South Africa, Vietnam and Uruguay to name a few. No matter what your definition of family is, make the time to spend it with the people you love and care about. What could you be doing with your family? Skiing and snowboarding at your local ski resort? Sleeping in and enjoying a nice brunch? Spending time together hiking a local trail with your family members and family pet? Whatever it is you choose to do, no matter who you do it with, you will be spending it with family. Guaranteed.
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Posted by Margaret Page in A Page of Insight, Just for Fun and tagged Family, families, love
February 13, 2019
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized
February 6, 2019
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and many of you are probably planning a romantic night for your loved one. Valentine’s Day means different things to different people – depending on how long you’ve been together and how serious the relationship is. Traditionally, it means chocolate, flowers or a romantic evening out at an upscale restaurant. This time-honoured tradition can usually fit into most budgets but planning a romantic evening can also be memorable if you consider what your partner really enjoys but does not get to do as often as they like.
Planning a personalized Valentine’s Day outing shows that you took the time to organize a day or night out that is meaningful to them. Cooking his favourite meal with soft music playing in the background is very romantic. Make the evening special by getting dressed up, lighting some candles and setting the table with your best china. Perhaps a picnic in the park with her favourite dishes and a nice bottle of wine followed up by activity she enjoys like cycling or visiting an antique market nearby. Handmade cards and love letters tucked in the picnic basket would be a great hit! E-cards by Hallmark and Blue Mountain are also a good option. Just keep the presents like that new car battery for another occasion!
If you choose to go the traditional
route of dining out, keep these tips in mind:
- Make reservations early: If you have a favourite restaurant
that you would like to take your romantic partner to then don’t wait until the
last minute to book that reservation. Chances are that if it’s your favourite,
then it’s other peoples as well as you don’t want to be caught having nowhere
to share your special evening.
- Be on time: Valentine’s Day is not the time to be
late. Make sure you are on time to pick up your date or be on time at the
restaurant.
- Turn your cell phones off: It goes without saying that you should
always give your date your undivided attention, and most especially on such a
romantic day as Valentine’s Day. Turn your cell phones off—and leave them off
the table–so you’re not tempted to check sports scores during dinner or your
favourite food blog!
- Mind your table manners: As with any time you’re sharing a meal
with someone, be sure to bring along your best table manners. Chewing with your
mouth open or shoveling food into your mouth is NOT romantic. Place your napkin
with the fold towards your body and keep the used side between the fold.
- Fine Dining Knowledge: If you are at a five-star restaurant
for the first time, perhaps check out the menu ahead of time. This is
especially true if it’s a cuisine that you are unfamiliar with or the menu has
items written in French! Not only will you learn about any signature dishes,
but taking that extra step learning how to pronounce the menu items will earn
you extra bonus points with your date and show that you took the time to do so.
- For the men: Remember the simple things, like
opening the door for her, helping her with her coat, and pulling out her chair
for her if the wait staff don’t do it for her.
- Who pays? Many women are still looking for
that knight in shining armor–chivalry is desirable. However, modern etiquette
dictates that whoever extended the invitation should be the one picking up the
tab.
If there is not currently a romantic
partner in your life, you can always participate in this year’s Random Acts of
Kindness Day on Feb 17, 2019 . There are various categories you can choose from to
pass along kindness to others.
Wishing you all a very happy (and romantic) Valentine’s Day! Do you have a favorite Valentine’s Day memory you’d like to share? We’d love to hear it!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Valentines Day, Dining Etiquette, Etiquette Tips
January 31, 2019
In public speaking or business presentations, passive is passé — but it can be tough to break out of a creative rut and find just the right phrase or hook to keep your audience engaged. Fresh ideas can be a challenge!
That’s why I’m always looking for new presentation resources that will help get the creative juices flowing. Recently, these eight websites have been my go-to sites for extra inspiration and fun.
One Look: This is a one-stop shop for just about any word you can think of. Type in “bluebird,” for example, and you’ll get a list of definitions from 29 sources, plus a list of what the word means in various industries, professions, and casual situations (tech, medicine — even slang). You’ll also get synonyms, rhyming words, usage examples, and more.
The Noun Project: I think this website is so much fun! Type in any word and The Noun Project will match your word with an icon. I like to use them for PowerPoint presentations — much more useful and unexpected than standard clip art.
SlideBean: SlideBean is a godsend if you struggle to create professional presentations — and it’s a wonderfully intuitive alternative to struggling through PowerPoint. Choose a professionally designed template, create your slide deck, and then share it with your team. You can even ask one of SlideBean’s designers for feedback and assistance or to revamp an existing slide deck. The first presentation is free, but the pricing is reasonable after that.
Art Skills: This is a great resource if you’re creating posters or flip charts. You’ll find products like stickers, craft kits, even lights designed specifically for posters!
Rhymer.com: Rhymes are great for developing memorable turns of phrase. Rhymer.com offers ideas for any type of rhyme you might need: end rhymes like blue/shoe, last-syllable rhymes like timber/harbor, double rhymes like conviction/prediction, and more.
Title Generator and Portent’s Content Idea Generator: I like to use these sites when I’m stumped for ideas. You need only one keyword to produce hundreds of title options in seconds.
Trainers Warehouse: Even professional trainers can find it difficult to create tools and icebreakers that are fun and meaningful. Trainers Warehouse solves that problem with thousands of games, awards, toys, and other teamwork- and recognition-building supplies.
1,000 Best Clean Jokes from Reader’s Digest: This site is a great resource to stimulate humorous thinking, even if you’re not looking to add jokes to your speeches and presentations. You’ll discover riddles, one-liners, and many more.
What are your favorite presentation resources for spurring creativity? Let me know in the comments below.
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Posted by Margaret Page in Uncategorized, Newsletters, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged Creativity, Resources, Presentations, Reports
January 24, 2019
Now that you have done all the preparation for your interview using the tips from our blog post on Preparation Is Key for Interviews, make sure you know how to make yourself stand out and shine during the actual interview.
Interview Tips:
- Stand when introduced to the #interviewer and do not sit down until invited to do so.
- Try to connect with the interviewer on a personal level at the beginning of the interview if the opportunity arises. “Is that your daughter’s university graduation photo? What school did she attend?” Establishing a personal connection right at the onset of the interview allows for some commonality and starts things off on a positive tone.
- Place your belongings on the floor, not the table or desk.
- Retrieve information quickly and easily in a well organized purse or portfolio. After all, spilling your private belongings across the desk is the antithesis of class. In case a 2nd staff member is asked to join the interview process, have a 2nd resume handy.
- During the interview, show interest, confidence and deference. Always have 2 to 3 questions prepared to ask your interviewer about the position or the firm. This ensures that you come across interested in the position you are being interviewed for and want to learn more.
- Anticipate the most common questions and have answers prepared. Practice them with a friend first.
- If you need a minute or two to compose and answer, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the interviewer for a couple of minutes to think about the question properly and formulate your answer.
- Stay focused. Don’t fidget, repeat yourself or move objects around.
- If you are in a panel interview, place full attention on the person speaking. When you answer, make sure you make eye contact with all the interviewers.
- If you find yourself in an online/virtual interview situation, test your background first using a variety of platforms to make sure your face is lit properly and there are no shadows. Wear contrasting clothing to your background and make sure the background ties in with who you are. Be cautious about what you are drinking.
- Follow your host’s lead if you are being interviewed over a meal. Don’t order any alcohol, unless you are interviewing with an alcohol-related company.
- Compensation package. Quite often, compensation is mentioned in the job description; especially if the job is in the public sector or appears on Indeed. If not, consensus indicates waiting until the end of the 2nd interview to ask. If another job offer is on the table and you need to make a decision, then don’t be afraid to ask. Just make sure you have done your research. If asked for a range, provide a realistic one and be prepared to explain why you should be at the higher end. Essentially, be realistic but confident in what it is you want.
- No matter what: never criticize a former employer.
- Lastly, be honest and sincere. Employers are generally more concerned with finding employees that are the right fit with the organization since training and education can always be provided while on the job.
Post Interview
When the interview comes to a close, be sure to request a card from your interviewer(s) so you can send a handwritten ‘thank you’ note within 48 hours. In the note, be positive and genuine, and if appropriate, refer to something that was discussed in the interview.
Social grace under pressure, specifically, the intense pressure of an interview, always makes a strong impression. It implies a certain degree of personal power, insight and self control, uncommon qualities that any employer would value.
It will give you the “etiquette edge” you need to ace your next job interview!
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Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Uncategorized, Business Etiquette, Communication and tagged interview etiquette, Employer, Job Search, job hunt, career, job offer
January 18, 2019
Competition is fierce in today’s job market. Quite often, job seekers find themselves competing with up to 100 other people, hoping to be short-listed for the interviews.
That’s why it takes more than just skills and education to land a great job. Qualifications can get you an interview – but class can get you the job. Get properly prepared for the interview using these important tips:
- Research your potential employer, the industry, and any recent developments or initiatives. Commit a few key facts to memory and mention them when the opportunity appears.
- Learn what you can about the interviewer(s). Study their social media profiles if you can to find out more about their background, interests and employment history. Find some commonality!
- Select your outfit the day before, making sure it is clean, pressed, fits well and flatters. Refrain from wearing anything low cut, short, tight. If you’re unsure about the dress code, dress “up” rather than “down” (i.e., dress a more formal way rather than a more casual way).
- Be freshly groomed, including nails, hair and face – and remember, no fragrances.
- Make sure the vehicle you drive to yours interviews is clean. Some employers view how you maintain your car as a reflection of how you’ll take care of their tools or equipment.
- Familiarize yourself with your destination so you are sure to arrive as scheduled.
- Arrive early enough to make a quick stop at the rest room to check your hair, teeth, and clothing.
- This is a given, but make sure you know your resume inside and out.
- Use the product/service ahead of time if this is appropriate.
Each step sets you up to feel relaxed and confident when the pressure is on. Interviews will be much easier to get through if you are prepared.
Next week: Sharpen Your Interview Skills
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Posted by Margaret Page in Interviews, Business Etiquette, Communication, Etiquette Tips and tagged Interview, Jobs, Employment, Employer, compensation, Job Search
