It's Critical to Your Career!
Your job interview, prospective client, seat on a board or membership in an organization can be won or lost on the strength of your handshake. It can put you over the top or sink your chances. While this seemingly routine and innocuous little nicety lasts only a few seconds, it will be remembered forever.
Etiquette in the Western world is popularly believed to have its roots in The Age of Chivalry during the European Middle Ages (circa 1100 -1500 A.D.). Throughout this age, kings, queens and knights in shining armor created a code of behavior and ethics that has lasted in some form to modern times.
During this era, the modern concept of St. Valentine’s Day emerged. Although the day harbors a shadowy past stretching back many centuries--its roots buried deep in both paganism and Christianity--there is no doubt about the romance and chivalry that materialized around 1400 A.D., including the heart-shape as a symbol of romantic love and Chaucer's Parlement of Foules, connecting St. Valentine’s Day to romance.
One of the most iconic symbols of our time is the Smiley Face. It’s been around since the 1960s with many variations, including the ones that people draw after their signatures or the ones in email emoticons to indicate that a statement is meant in a friendly manner. But why is it that so many people know to use Smiley to indicate kindness and friendliness in the written word, yet don’t use their natural smiles in person-to-person contact?
And Not in a Good Way!
Is there anyone left on the planet who doesn’t comprehend the crisis in civility that we’re facing with our mobile devices? We’re in the midst of a PDA pandemic that has turned us into addicts. And, just as we get our dependency on crackberries under control, Apple tempts us with its new iPhone.
The paradox – and hypocrisy -- is that while most people are quick to criticize cell phone offenses, the same people also tend to be the offenders. The good news is that mobile devices can make our lives easier, more productive and safer; the bad news is that can make our lives harder, less productive and more dangerous.
Jeanne Nelson 