behaviour

Business, Civility, Community, Confidence, courtesy, customer service, Etiquette, Image

A Business of Self-Esteem

July 30, 2015August 11, 2015 Vicki

I’ve been working for many (many, many) years towards getting a business off the ground. The vision began with a joke between a friend of mine and myself. We were both career counsellors at an employment agency and were commenting on the need for some of our clients to understand the importance of their attitude, wardrobe, manners and behaviour choices. We thought it would be funny to have our own etiquette business to teach these necessary but absent skills.

After some time and several clients later, I began to think it wasn’t so funny after all. In appointments, I heard atrocious language, saw unkempt hair, watched slouching individuals bite fingernails and sometimes I’d have to hold my breath to not inhale the “whatever-it-was” smoke that seemed to still be billowing from clothes. It occurred to me that some people did not realize how their choices were affecting those around them. Or that those same choices might be the cause of detrimental judgments that could hinder their prospects for jobs or even relationships.

It was then that I started to take that original joke between friends, more seriously. I enrolled in an image consultant certification course, invested in civility training workbooks and step-by-excruciating-step, I have put together VNC Image & Etiquette and I am (almost) ready to launch to the public.

In addition to my image and civility (etiquette) training, I am a certified career development practitioner and hold both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education degree. I understand that how one presents him/herself physically and behaviourally is essential to the pursuit of many goals – personal or professional. I have a special interest in honing youth and young adults’ leadership capabilities. This can help with the transition from high school to post secondary or from post secondary to career. I can also offer assistance to those who are looking to boost self-esteem or just need to freshen it up.

As a first step, I am offering a Leadership Workshop Series for youth ages 14 – 21. More workshops will be coming and personal one-on-one services will be available to develop action plans with individuals depending on their needs. I will also be available for speaking engagements. Please contact me if you require further details on any of the above workshops or services.

Stay tuned …

Civility, Confidence, courtesy, Etiquette, good, Image, Respect

A Quick Thought About Your Impression

April 3, 2014May 8, 2015 Vicki

Whether we like it or not, agree with it or not, judgments will be made about us. If we do not take into consideration how we look or act, these judgments may not be in our favour. Furthermore, these assumptions may not only be made about us but could be made about our positions, our departments and/or the organizations we work for. Therefore, it is very important to put thoughtful consideration into our appearance and behaviour.

Civility, Etiquette, Respect

Don’t Put Manners on Strike at the Picket Line

September 6, 2011 Vicki

No one wants a strike. Striking is a last resort when an agreement cannot be made by an organization and its workers. Employees do not want to relinquish their pay cheques to walk a picket line and employers don’t want to loose the labour. Any public involved do not want the inconvenience of lost production, services or having to cross that picket line. As unpleasant as they are, sometimes they are a necessary evil in order to move forward. When presented with a strike situation, there a few things to keep in mind:

1. They are people on those picket lines. They have feelings, families and lives.

2. Expect delays if you are crossing the line. Often, workers will stop line-crossers to hand out brochures or explain their side of the situation. Be patient and keep conversation pleasant.

3. Drive slowly when crossing a line with a vehicle. Hitting the gas pedal, squealing tires or driving erratically is only putting people’s lives in danger and isn’t going to improve the situation. Not-to-mention, it is unlawful and could end up being a bigger problem than just trying to make a statement crossing the line.

4. Waving the middle finger at picketers or yelling obscenities only serves to discredit you.

5. Under normal circumstances, honking of horns can be obnoxious and annoying but there is no sweeter sound to a picketer than the sound of a honk of support. A quick “beep beep” on the horn and a wave means so much to a person who is walking the line.

6. Safety should be the number one priority for all involved. Tolerance, restraint and respect are critical. Everyone has the right to an opinion but no has the right to take away the safety and security of another.

7. Be polite and courteous at all times. The person who can civilly disagree is heard more clearer than the one screaming and mud-slinging.