Etiquette Expert Cindy Grosso

The Polished Professional

Welcome to the Polished Professional Blog

Listen to me!

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Civility is a big topic in America today.

Human beings are diverse and unique in nature and created to be as such. This is proven as evidenced by the fact that in 7.3 billion people currently on the planet, no one else has your fingerprints, as well as other unique identifiers. This phenomenon goes even further as it also includes all of the millions of people that have lived in the past, and all the millions of people yet to come. None have had, have or will ever have your identification, it is unique to you! Not then, not now and never again will someone be just like you! This unique identity is your distinct competitive advantage.

Along with that individuality comes independent thoughts and opinions. Etiquette does not give advice on who is right or wrong, but rather shows respect to both.  One way to do that is to have empathy as a form of respect for someone.

Empathy is part of the skill of listening and does not mean I have to take a side, make a decision, agree or disagree. It simply means I can let you say how you feel, and I am not required to do anything.

I can say thank you for sharing that thought. I do not know if I agree or disagree, or I do not know how I feel, or I am not ready to make a decision, or I do not have all the information to make a choice…but thank you for sharing how you feel. That’s all!!

If we understand the skill of empathy, we can provide people the respect for them to have their own opinion. When we give people respect in this way, we give them value. Not that we have to go with their idea, but they were allowed to express their thoughts and were listened to. This is important as we understand the number one reason people leave organizations is that they did not feel valued.

True leaders have empathy.  They have to know how their team feels.  They do not have to agree, disagree or take a side, but they need to know and show value to all, by showing respect.

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What does etiquette look like in 2019?

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Do we really need etiquette today and what does that look like? If you ask millennials today, do we need etiquette, many would probably think you are old school. Many would think it is about the rules. I make the case; etiquette is needed today as much as ever! However, the “Y” generation is … Read More...

Let us hold the door

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Have you ever been walking behind someone and approached a closed door to have it slammed in your face because the person in front of you did not hold it for you? Or, had to push in someone’s chair as you were trying to exit the table? As you recall times when this may have happened to you, do you … Read More...

Excuse me, Is that my bread plate?

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Have you ever been asked that or have you ever asked that? Does it really matter? In a word YES! But probably not for the reason you think. Dining etiquette is really not about the rules…it is about confidence and relationship. We have spoken before that we are living in a disruptive world … Read More...

Dress…A Component of the Secret Sauce

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I have been stating in my earlier blog posts, we are living in a world where fast is faster and change is more disruptive than ever before, both personally and professionally. There are many disruptions occurring in the work environment and one of the dynamics fueling this is the various … Read More...

The secret language of seating protocol

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Successful people in business who make it to the top in their field do not get there by accident. They make the necessary investments in learning to be poised and position themselves for success. Part of their success strategy includes non-verbal interaction with others. The non-verbal communication … Read More...

Why is being present so important?

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Not to long ago I was conducting a professional table manners program for a college conference.  As I was speaking, I noticed that many students had their phones out on the table and often it was on the plate in front of them before the food was served. I thought this very interesting as the … Read More...

Business power tea

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January is National Hot Tea Month. Hot tea is part of almost every business culture in the world….but what about tea in America? Hot tea has been enjoyed for centuries and most tea connoisseurs know the custom of afternoon tea is believed to have started in England. The custom is said to have … Read More...

Holiday Greeting Cards

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This time of year many people are sending personal and business holiday greeting cards. What does etiquette suggest? Etiquette suggests sending a personal holiday card to people with whom you do not give a gift.  Therefore, taking the time to wish them well in the form of a holiday card is their … Read More...

The ability to command a room – Part 2

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  Your ability to command a room in professional environments is an important part of being successful in business.  In part one of this blog we learned commanding a room begins with how you enter the room. Here are 10 more tips to successfully commanding a room. When you enter a room, be … Read More...

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