A Point of Protocol

Recently, I was berated by a sweet faced lady, who assuming I was familiar with all of the local landmarks, curtly informed me that I should make it my business to "know" my city if I expected people to frequent here. Then, she sped off, turning across several lanes to reach whatever destination was next on her agenda. As I shook my head, I thought, "Welcome to tourist season!". Hello,  are you a tourist? Yes? Well, welcome to our city, our community, and our world in Any Town, USA! We really appreciate that you have chosen to travel our streets, explore our sites, stay in our hotels and taste our culinary delights! We will try not to stare at your choice of dress, snicker at your accent, or beep when you are lost and make wide left turns from the right hand lane! But, we do need you to know that this is our home and like any good guest, there are rules for civilized and polite engagement which enhances the experience for all.  Vayama, an online internation...

“If I hurt your feelings in any way I just want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I don't care.” Author Unknown The world is tired of people. Tired of serving them. Tired of pleasing them. Tired of being polite! We see this everywhere but are still surprised when volunteers, public servants, or health care professionals disrespect people. I experienced this firsthand during a recent doctor's visit. As man approached the receptionist, she acknowledged him by shouting, "What are you here for?" Stunned by her rudeness, everyone looked up as he, in turn, answered her in a quiet and controlled voice. Ignoring obvious social cues, the receptionist loudly repeated the purpose of his appointment. Those of us who understood simple courtesy looked away to minimize his shame. Others, fully engaged in his private affairs and unconcerned about the rules of protocol and etiquette, gawked or laughed as they waited to see what would happen next. To their disappoi...

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.