Business Etiquette This book teaches individuals how to represent their

Question:
How can I encourage new acquaintances to
be more sensitive about the use of insider jargon in social
situations? The other day, I was at a professional organiza-
tion meeting. Several of the people were talking about what
was going on in their industry. It was difficult to get involved
in the conversation because they all seemed to be speaking
their own language—using acronyms that meant a lot to
them and nothing to me and the other people at our table.
Answer:
While some people may assume that everyone
understands their particular abbreviations and industry jar-
gon, others may actually perceive it as a “foreign language.”
The next time you find yourself in this type of situation,
simply take the plunge and ask the people to assist you by
clarifying what the acronyms mean. By requesting clarifi-
cation, you may heighten their awareness and they may ei-
ther ask if everyone knows what certain abbreviations or
insider talk refers to or refrain from using exclusionary talk
during gatherings that include “outsiders.”
Tip #107
Tip #107
Tip #107
Tip #107
Tip #107
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appropriate (female) bathr
opriate (female) bathr
opriate (female) bathr
opriate (female) bathr
opriate (female) bathroom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.
Question:
Some women just don’t seem to get it! A com-
pany bathroom mirror should not be used for curling hair,
plucking eyebrows, admiring oneself, or reapplying per-
fume. A company bathroom mirror is for freshening
TE
AM
FL
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Team-Fly
®

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151
Common Questions
up, washing hands, and reapplying lipstick. Where do
people get the idea that others who are also using the facil-
ity don’t notice these actions? Isn’t this a breach of work-
place etiquette?
Answer:
Long-term monopolization of public facilities
is a breach of etiquette, and don’t let anyone tell you dif-
ferently. Business and social manners dictate that you avoid
excessive primping in public locations. That includes using
perfume as though it were insecticide, taking over a sink
when others may need the space, brushing or flossing teeth
in a conspicuous location, etc. These matters should be at-
tended to in a private area, rather than a frequently visited
public bathroom.
Tip #108
Tip #108
Tip #108
Tip #108
Tip #108
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appr
Attend to appropriate (male) bathr
opriate (male) bathr
opriate (male) bathr
opriate (male) bathr
opriate (male) bathroom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.
oom issues.