A Point of Protocol

There is a lie being whispered into our heads these days. It says “nobody cares, you can just do what you want, and no one is paying attention”. It is a lie. People are watching and there will be consequences! The choices made to do something, be in a particular place, say a certain thing or phrase, all have the potential to cause regret and grief later. Character takes a lot to build but very little to destroy, or as political activist Thomas Paine states “Character is much easier kept than recovered.” Recently, several incidents in the media have highlighted how a slip in judgment can snowball into a loss of community respect and public humiliation. If what you are in private or the places you frequent are questionable, or even the demeanor you display under pressure is mean and nasty, it will change the way people view you. Your professional character will be questioned regardless of past accomplishments or family background. It will not matter that to you, past behavior was ...

Be careful what you pretend to be because you are what you pretend to be.~ Kurt Vonnegut Jr Costumes tend to lend a sense of false security! What other time are we encouraged to be liberated behind a mask or an array of clothing, to release our inner inhibitions, all under the guise of fun?! But, the Account supervisor who donned her favorite purple “Lady Godiva” cape is probably rethinking her decision after she showcased her costume in full regale sans undergarments at the post work office party… or make that sheer flesh toned undies! Not only were her private parts on display but her professional standing and morality as well. Indeed her fall from grace had much to do with her fall from respect in the eyes of her coworkers, her superiors and her team. Although this is the time of year when we are certainly allowed to contradict and poke fun at our everyday demeanor with fake tattoos, outrageous hair and/or earring ornaments, we must also bear in mind that even fun can become a ...

A Point of Protocol: Ethics or Etiquette? There is a smug assumption a... : Ethics or Etiquette? There is a smug assumption among business professionals that if they have good etiquette, they will consequently ha...

Ethics or Etiquette? There is a smug assumption among business professionals that if they have good etiquette, they will consequently have great ethics. Often when asked to speak on the topic of etiquette, it is assumed that cloaked within the presentation will be subtle references to ethics. Most often, it is not there. They are not the same. Although one can be present without the others, a professional presence not only exhibits both, but understands the line of demarcation between the two. Business Etiquette is a learned but unwritten code of conduct that makes interactions predictable and professional. It originates from Protocols, which are the rules that govern a civil society. The rules combine common sense and consideration for others, into codes, for appropriate behavior in the workplace and in society as a whole. Business ethics are the principles and norms that serve as guides for good and bad conduct in business. The guides may written as codes of conduct, or not w...

A Point of Protocol: “Protocol is everything.” Francois Giuliani  Protocol, an established code of behavior, is silent but steeped in tradition and required courtesies. A breach in protocol often goes unspoken but has ruined many promising relationships. Today’s “business casual” mindset underestimates the role of protocol in business interactions and negotiations. As the marketplace becomes more culturally intertwined, social intelligence and professionalism has become increasingly important.  Protocol and etiquette training provide the knowledge necessary to navigate with confidence and control in any business or social setting.  Protocol...knowing right and doing it! I am Pamela Coopwood,and I am Speaking of Protocol.