When the President calls you something unflattering, you know you have crossed the line? What are the etiquette lessons we can learn? It doesn’t take money to have class.
What are the etiquette lessons we can learn from such a terrible incident? Interestingly enough, we have seen examples of both things to do and not to do. Unfortunately in a moment of misjudgment a decision that was made will forever live in the minds and hearts of millions of people. We have also seen in both the responses from Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles how to handle a situation with grace and aplomb to make the best out of a bad situation.
First we all make mistakes, but ones like these will have an impact for years to come. The perception camera is always rolling regardless if we are on a stage in front of millions of viewers, or having lunch with a colleague. The same rule holds true, it takes 3 to 5 seconds to make a first impression. It also takes years to build a reputation and only 5 seconds to ruin it.
Here are some tips to help process your behavior before there is no turning back. I call it the new K.I.S.S. Method- Keep It Simply Savvy.
Ask yourself the following questions to be sure you are following the K.I.S.S. Method to determine if your behavior is having a positive or a negative impact on your personal brand.
- Does my behavior offend, insult, ignore or interrupt another person?
- Would I consider this behavior rude, awkward, unprofessional, or tacky if I witnessed someone else doing it?
- Have I assessed the situation to have a clear understanding of the possible implications of my actions both personally and professionally?
Your life will tell a story. What do you want your story to be?
Dallas Teague Snider, The Impression Engineer, Author, Speaker and Business Etiquette Consultant. As the Founder of Make Your Best Impression she conducts workshops and seminars helping companies and individuals make their first impression their best impression.