Etiquette Now! Insights

  Ensure that gift-giving is allowed in your workplace and if there is a dollar limit.  Then consider the appropriateness of the gift.  There may be religious, or gender issues attached to some gifts, such as perfume or jewelry for women and religious icons or pork products for some religions.  Gift for The Boss Simple gifts to the boss, so as not to appear like an apple polisher.  Homemade treats Anything for the desk: calendars, stationery, pens, letter openers, picture frame... Book Box of candy Associates to Each Other Gift giving is not equal, because we give gifts according to our relationship with the person. Not Close: Small items for the desk: ‘to-do’ lists tablets, coffee mugs, treats... Filled coffee mugs: candy, teas, coffee... A book Cute holiday -themed items: Santa bobblehead, etc. $5 Gift certificate: coffee shop? Those Who are Close: Consider the person’s preferences. Anything for the desk: calendars, st...

Typically, people dread holiday business events because it is not business as usual and definitely not social.  The rules, so clear to us when we are in our cubicles, become a blur.  During these events, there is often alcohol flowing liberally and staff appears to be enjoying themselves, even freely talking to the boss.  Yet, deep inside we know this is not an outing with our friends.  This is just another way for people to judge how well we perform.  Perform well, and we will receive some sort of recognition; perform badly and it is back to square one.  Plus-Ones? It is no less tricky for the tag-a-long date .  The date knows he/she needs to look sharp, be a good conversationalist, and make a good impression.  And we all know how difficult this is to accomplish when we don’t know these people well and the stakes are high.  How do you compliment people, listen intently, and smile as if your face will break and not seem condesce...