Etiquette Schmetiquette

Overview: NAWBO-NW presents the Entrepreneurial Program Series during their monthly chapter meetings. In August, the Entrepreneurial Program featured Merrily Bjerkestrand of Northwest School of Protocol, speaking about business etiquette.

Before diving into business etiquette, Merrily asked us what came to mind when we heard the word  "etiquette". From the NAWBO-NW group came many things - most of which were not "flattering". This  wasn't meant as a trick question, but rather, Merrily wanted to point out that etiquette, whatever  its rap, still has a part in the workplace.

To prove her point, Merrily gave us a quiz with True & False answers. You might think this would be  easy, but it wasn't, and each question packed a whopper of an explanation, most of which left us  wanting to know more. In fact, before her presentation was over, we begged her to give us the  answers to ALL the questions, intead of just the first ones.

Here are a few of the questions:

• True or False: It is acceptable for a woman to place her purse on a boardroom or dining table?
• True or False: I shouldn't accept phone calls at a meal or a meeting, but its okay to quickly text?
• True or False: Cleavage and great legs are good marketing tools. I should use them while I have them?
• True or False: There is no a thing as corporate culture?
• True or False: I am the way I am, people will just have to adjust?

When it all came down to it though, etiquette is based on hierarcy or status and not gender,  consideration for others, and how you represent the company. Merrily also stressed the point that  it's not about you, or how you feel; it's about consideration for others and how you represent  yourself to others.


written by: Heather Pieczonka, Director of Communications