4 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
Avoid These Pitfalls., 2007-02-08
On your job, here are thirteen things to avoid: Passing the buck, Claiming credit you don't deserve, Speaking when upset, Withholding needed information, Failing to give proper recognition, Refusing to express regret, Making destructive comments, Clinging to the Past, Negativity -- look on the bright side if you want to move up the ladder of success, Tell the Truth, Failing to express gratitude, Advertisign how smart you are, and Playing favorites gets you nowhere fast.
The higher you go, the harder you fall. Relationships are damaged when you don't listen to others or hear only what you want to, not factual; be open to change the behavior others see and you don't. I was hired for an office job just because I "fit in" but those females weren't very smart and refused to make things easy. They wanted and tried every way they could to make the newcomer fail. It was a learning experience. Before that, a job fell in my grasp to get rid of an inefficient secretary because of her race, and she successfuly sabotaged the payroll print-out and left me looking "inept." The New York City owner had lured me from another computer position, then threw me "on the garbage dump" after his success in not being charged for prejudice. Promotions don't always mean "moving up." Be aware of the issues before you agree to anything. If you are performing well where you are, it is best to be a success on a lower level than to move up to a stressful situation which could be your downfall.
You can use your time on a lower-paying job by self-esteem that you have found your niche and work is fun and rewarding. Two men in my past stayed in staid careers; instead of moving up or on to a better, more prestigious position because they felt "safe" i that job. To them, taking home a paycheck was more important than to feel successful and happy as they used their talents to aspire to greatness. One had a "career" wife so he spent his days going with the flow and succumbing to alcohol because of his low self-esteem. Both could have made it on a higher level but were afraid to try. Like the lowly drama director in "Marjorie Morningstat," he proved to be mediocre. When he tried to be better than he was, for her sake and at her urging, he was a failure. The writer became a person with low morals to fit in with those around him. The teacher achieved longevity but that's about all.
One adage is to bloom where you are planted. You must be clear about your purpose in life and work only on projects which give you fulfillment and quit multi-tasking, which is only time consuming and keeps you from reaching your potential. There are a lot of ways to go wring but only one way todo right. It helps to have an angel looking after you in all of life's undertakings. The secret of success and satisfaction in your job isn't working harder; it's working smarter.
5 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
A very interesting book., 2005-07-24
The topics on careers and other subjects hit the mark. An excellent layout of writing.
190 of 192 people found the following review helpful:
A good overview for the busy business person, 1999-12-16
Do you know the proper way to enter and leave a limousine? You will if you read Dana May Casperson's book.While including many of the basics you'd expect in an etiquette book, she also covers subjects such as:
* tea meetings * video conferencing * teleconferencing * chairing meetings * cultural courtesies * travel safety * physical disabilities * using a concierge
Interspersed throughout the text are Q & A's specific to the topic under discussion. One of the questions she deals with, often missing from books on manners, is tipping maids in hotels.
I have a special interest in this because I spent a year working as a hotel maid when I was in college. Sad to say that the majority of hotel guests do NOT leave tips. Casperson suggests $1 to $1.50 per person/day.
She also addresses those of us who work at home by suggesting we have a least 2 'knock 'em dead' outfits available at all times. Everyone will need to meet with a client or attend a lunch at some point, so this makes sense.
This suggestion is also good for anyone who has to travel for business. Having a few outfits you can pull together at a moment's notice and knowing that they fit properly and look good will make anything unexpected seem a breeze. This goes for men, too!
Another suggestion is to have an 'emergency kit' in your desk, briefcase, and/or car. This would consist of:
* extra socks or pantyhose * deodorant * toothbrush, toothpaste, & breath mints * a sewing kit/safety pins * makeup/shaving supplies/facial tissue * nail file/nail clippers/hand cream * hairbrush/comb * a small address book with phone numbers, email, etc. of clients, doctor & family member for emergencies
There's also an entire section about corporate gifting. Many companies do not allow employees to accept gifts or only allow gifts under a certain dollar amount.
This part of the book includes many suggestions for gifts as well as the proper use of your business name/logo on gifts.
There are a few places where I think she dropped the ball. I don't think it's a good idea to include your home address, phone and fax number in your email signature file. For those working at home, especially women, it could be dangerous.
I also disagree with her suggestion to take a hostess gift when you're staying at someone's home for a weekend. I think it's OK to bring something small like chocolates or a bottle of wine, just as you would when invited to dinner. But, it's always better to send a 'thank you' gift after you return home so you are able to select something appropriate to your host's home, interests, and tastes.
Is this the best book of business etiquette? Not in my opinion. But, I read & collect etiquette books so I'm biased.
Letitia Baldrige's New Complete Guide to Executive Manners is longer and more in-depth. As the social secretary for First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, she's also an in-demand speaker on subjects such as "Business Protocol" and "Executive Presence." Some find her old-fashioned, but she's my personal favorite.
If you want a good, quick, basic overview of what's-what for proper business manners, then Power Etiquette is a worthwhile book with over 180 pages of information.
A note: Casperson has absolutely no sense of humor. Both Letitia Baldrige and Miss Manner's have a breezy way of writing about etiquette that removes the stuffiness. Unfortunately, you couldn't find a spark of wit here it you had a map.