WHEN THINGS GET TOUGH!

Hello my esteemed readers, hope you're all keeping well and safe. It is a fact that we are living in a turbulent time with different stressors. These should not shut down our will power to persevere, restrategize and overcome these adversities.

To be adversity intelligent in this trying times, one must practice some life defining principles to survive as listed:

• Reflection and meditation on the root causes of the adversities is a " first thing first" approach to saving the situation
• Remember to seek God's direction through prayers and wise counsel from experienced support network
• On identifying the root causes, next will be a strategic planning and adoption of remedies
• Creativity and imaginative power must be fully adopted in mitigating the stressors
• Perseverance, courage and focus are great virtues in adversity remember "if you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small" Proverbs 24:10
• Do not despise any source of genuine income Zechariah 4:10.  Thus, be humble to engage in any legal job no mactter your qualification. It is for a moment!
• Never spend above your income, financial prudence is expected in adversity
• Do not borrow to maintain the "elites" status quo. 
• Be yourself and never make any fake impression
• Keep hope alive and believe the future holds greater blessings than your temporary low status
• Avoid negative, toxic and pessimistic friends and network
• Trust and have faith in God of all POSSIBILITY

It is a given that "tough times never last but tough people do" . I urge you to be resilient in this trying time because "this plague has an end" Cheer up!

REVISED HANDSHAKE ETIQUETTE!

Hand shake before the Corona Virus pandemic used to be a professional and social show of cordiality. The fact remains that " Change is a Constant" hence the revised edition of my Handshake Etiquette- with these tips:
Instead of shaking hands, please switch to any of these-

• Put your right hand over your heart and give a slight nod
• Do the "Namaste" greeting by joining the palm together at chest level and give a brief bow
• Bump feet like the Chinese do
• Wave your hand
• Give an elbow touch though with caution given that people now sneeze and cough into the elbow
• Communicate politely how you intend to greet and the reason for it

These tips are obviously the few update on my Handshake Etiquette and I hope to keep sharing more tips as the precautionary measures on social distancing evolve. Keep in touch with me and please feel free to share my blog posts.

Your comments and improvements suggestions are welcomed. Cheers!

ZOOM ETIQUETTE-Avoiding Awkward Scenarios on ZOOM

   With the outbreak of COVID -19 pandemic, video conferencing platforms like ZOOM have become expedient for virtual learning, business meetings, professional training and presentations. There's need to be both tech savvy and civil by practicing these outlined tips:

• If the convener, first introduce yourself and exchange pleasantries with the  attendees
• If the convener/the host, mute attendees speakers to avoid noise and distractions. However,  if the host did not mute attendees speakers,  mute yours to avoid background noises
• Unmute attendees speakers when needed for feedback, contribution or questions.  A hand raise can be used for signals to make contributions or ask questions
• Attendees must ensure the use of a neat and meeting appropriate background- plain wall or bookshelf background is preferred. Virtual background is also acceptable
• Camera should be positioned at an eye level, and at an arm length or at a distance of 30 inches
• Keep the screen on landscape position 
• Participant must refrain from crude habits like pulling out facial hair, picking the nose, and scratching the armpit
• Proper dress code is of high import to your personality rating
• Multi tasking is a no no! When on ZOOM, focus on the convener or the meeting agenda
• Avoid dark room or poorly lit area when on camera. Light should be in front of the user screen
• Maintain eye contact by focusing on the camera
• It's awkward to keep camera/video off in a meeting
• Be on time at least five minutes before the start of a meeting
• Have a notepad and a pen handy 
• Ensure phone battery and wifi are fully charged to last for the period of a meeting
• If the convener, manage the meeting by: 

1. permitting only signed in users to join
2. Locking the meeting if you don't want distraction from new faces that keep on popping up 😂
3. Setting a meeting code/password
4. Removing any stranger or intruder
5. Disabling video to stop unwanted, disruptive or unacceptable gestures on video
6.  Turning off file transfer  to check influx of unwanted messages, photos, GIFs, etc
7. Disabling private messaging/chat

• When the meeting is over, thank  attendees and allow them  hang up before you do.

I hope to keep sharing more tips meanwhile thank you for checking on my blog. Cheers!

YES! YOU CAN RAISE CHILDREN WITH IMPECCABLE MANNERS

Hello my valued reader, On this post, I will be sharing some nuggets on raising etiquette awareness in children no matter their age.

Children learn more by observations, modelling, guidance, motivation and reinforcement. No child is born with flawless manners, however if nurtured with the right values and attitude, it result in a well bred individual.

Do enjoy some of the shared nuggets for achieving flawless manners in children

•  Teach them how to use these magic words: "Please,  Excuse Me, I'm Sorry, Pardon Me, After You, You are welcome" to mention but not limited to these only.
• Model proper ways of greeting and exchanging pleasantries to elders, peers, adult, and friends
• Guide them to respect boundaries, rules,choices,opinions and diversity of culture
• Teach them delayed gratification and avoid indulging their excesses or excusing their negative behaviour.
• Correction must be age appropriate, timely and well explained to avoid rebellious reaction

I will pause at this point meanwhile please keep checking on my blog for more tips. Many thanks for your valued time. Cheers

HOW EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT ARE YOU IN DEALING WITH RUDENESS?

Emotional intelligence involves being gracious with words, calm with provocative situations, tolerant with chaotic behaviours, patient in times of social, economic, and psychological pressures and undaunted in the face of rudeness. Below are some guides on how to be emotionally intelligent in dealing with rudeness:

• Never mind the rudeness rather uphold your self respect
• Do not revenge or talk back
• Resist the temptation to correct the ill manner
• Remember "silence is golden"
• Model the right conduct by remaining calm and polite in your response if the need arises. 
• Walk away if you can else regulate your response. 

Live up to the stand posited by Dr. Travis Bradberry in his book "Emotional Intelligence 2.0" that "people with high emotional quotients balance good manners, empathy and kindness with the ability to assert themselves and establish boundaries" Thus, it is crucial to grow our emotional skills in order to become transformative in our personal and professional development.

Many thanks for reading.  Please keep checking back for more details on my blog.

HOW GRACIOUS ARE YOUR WORDS?

Words have power! The choice of words, usage and tonality are very influential in building relationships. The Bible enlightens that " life and death are in the power of the tongue" It also informs that "harsh words stir up anger" Proverbs 15:1. Thus, it's so amazing to speak the right thing, at the right moment and place. To be gracious with words, one must use the following words at all times;

• Please
• May I
• Excuse me
• I am sorry
• Thank you
• After you
• You're welcomed
• Hello
• Good to see you

I can go on and on with many golden words. Please drop your comments and more suggestions on " how gracious are your words?" Thanks for reading!

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Business etiquette emphasises the importance of building credibility and high level of integrity in service delivery and other business operations. There are certain qualities that distinguish one from others who are not etiquette aware in their business dealings. Below are few tips!

• Ensure that your dress code sends a professional message
• Be a man/woman of integrity
• Never be overly sensitive to accepting criticism even when negative. 
• Be intentional in being punctual to work, meetings or any other engagements with colleagues and clients
• Be reliable, dependable, and timely in services and products deliveries
• Know  your clients,  be committed to providing and exceeding their expectations and business experience with you
• Be humble and stand up when you're introduced to clients or strategic partners
• Keep away the phone and other electronic device that distracts during business meetings and discussions with colleagues or clients
• Show respect at all times. 

Keeping the above outlined tips will give you an edge over other business competitors,  enhance customers' loyalty and business referrals.

Many thanks for checking in to enjoy my post. Cheers!!!

NETIQUETTE/INTERNET ETIQUETTE

Netiquette is the practice of proper and acceptable behaviour online such as communication through emails, blogs and social networking media.

Importance of Internet Etiquette

• Reduces the misconception of messages, intentions and conduct
• Encourages the use of correct spellings,  grammar, punctuations and choice of words
• Helps to project professionalism in business and career related online communication

Rules of Internet Etiquette

• Do not post copyrighted materials without permission or proper reference
• Avoid the use of slang due to cultural differences
• Do not visit unwholesome sites that project cybercrime, war, sex, pornography
• Do not send junk mails or spams
• Reply and acknowledge emails within 24 hours
• Avoid hate speeches and abuses
• Do not engage in phishing or hacking of sites and emails.

IF ONLY YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR POSTURE SAYS ABOUT YOU

Body Posture Awareness/Deportment

Body posture awareness/deportment focuses on the way a person stands, sit, walk and present oneself especially in terms of etiquette. Trisha Mary Telford posited that "deportment is the pride you take in yourself,  the way you present yourself as a person, your character,  attitude,  your confidence,  self belief, language,  your personal grooming and clothing choice"

Body Posture:Correct Sitting Posture

• Sit down gracefully and avoid slouching
• Ladies sit with the legs closed and leaned at an angle to one side
• Ladies should not sit squarely on both feet as it is too manly
• Get up gracefully and avoid rising up suddenly from the seat

Correct Standing Posture

• Ensure that the back(spine) is straight and aligns with the head while the chin is not too high or low
•  The feet must be apart
• The stomach must be tucked in 

•  The shoulder should be held back and down

•  Arms should be kept to the side

Correct Walking Posture

• Gait should be graceful and unique
• Do not be too fast, hurried, directionless, sluggish but rather maintain a sensible graceful stride
• The upper torso should remain as strong as possible and shouldn't sway back and forth
• The back should not be  over arched; the heads while relaxed should be slightly lifted
• Do not waddle as that suggest boring and obese personality
• Nevertheless, do not walk like a fashion model on the runway

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID THESE QUESTIONS IN A CONVERSATION

PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE

Professional etiquette encompasses proper conduct, written, spoken and non verbal communication(body language) expected from professional such as doctors, teachers, lawyers, club members etc.

Rules of Professional Etiquette

• Dress appropriately for desired impact and impression
• Do not wear heavy make up and flashy jewellery to the office
• Tattoos and body piercing should be covered up
• Be mindful of personal hygiene and grooming
• Always arrive on time as it is a sign of professional ethic
• Use your indoor voice, avoid yelling, take criticism calmly
• Keep office correspondence brief, reply emails within 24 hours and calls within four hours
• Be discreet in socialising with colleagues
• Never take credit for others achievement

Please I need your comment on the question ↴
Thought showers: Is it professional to connect with your boss on Facebook, Instagram or Snap chat?

ELEVATOR(LIFT) ETIQUETTE

Hello my cherished readers/viewers,  hope you're all doing fine. I will be sharing some expected elevator manners. Enjoy!

Elevator  Etiquette

• Always stand away from the door while waiting to board
• Be helpful by pressing or pushing the ground button for someone who is not within its reach
• Break the silence by saying 'hello or hi"
• Hold the door if you notice someone coming in a hurry
• Respect people's space
• Do not smoke in the elevator

INTRODUCTION ETIQUETTE

Introduction is  done when people meet for the first time in events like wedding party, baby shower, training summit, boot campetc. There is need to connect with others when one is in a social settings mentioned so that one doesn't appear unfriendly or self centered. Thus, introduction etiquette is a must to connect seamlessly with people. The following tips for introduction will ensure that:

• Approach people with a smiley face
• Maintain an eye contact as you get closer
• Identify yourself (name) and ask for others name
• Always call people by the name they first introduce themselves. For instance, if a person introduces herself as Favour, don't call her Fay unless she permits you to do so.
• Make every effort to pronounce peoples' names correctly.
• Offer a firm handshake if such gesture is made if not just smile and say a simple " how do you do?" or say hello!