Work Ethic

I always enjoy reading Cindy's blog, even though she has 39 children and I only have 2, and even though most of her kids were adopted as older children and mine are my own bio kids, parenting is parenting and what she writes about usually gets me thinking. Sometimes, it gets me thinking about people I meet...we never know the other person's baggage...I think it's helped me be a little less judgemental.
Today, Cindy referenced Success Magazine. As the Singer has embarked on her summer job in an office (legal preparation of medical records) that requires etiquette I'm not sure she has encountered often, the article on business etiquette caught my eye and I've printed it out for her. The top points seem obvious to me, but I've found that nothing is obvious (except the 'out of touch with teens' mentality of parents) to teens.

Top Six Business Etiquette Mistakes & How to Correct Them

1. Improper handshake (the firm, web-to-web handshake is best).
2. Poor eye contact (eye contact, made 40%-60% of the time, is directed in between the eye brows).
3. Lack of dining skills (when in doubt watch the host or hostess).
4. Unprofessional attire in the office (always dress two levels above your position).
5. Ignorance of other cultures (learn the customs of other nations by visiting http://www.state.gov/countries).
6. Cell phone rudeness (keep phones on vibrate or use a low ring tone and use your library voice).

PSOW National Business Etiquette Week Tips

1. Email is never private and lives forever in cyberspace. Plus, you don’t know who has been Blind Carbon Copied. Never sound angry, condescending or illiterate. (Anything in writing has more power than something simply spoken once...be careful what you write anywhere--my own comment)
2. If unsure which is your bread plate remember left to right is B-M-W: Bread-Meal-Water.
3. During business encounters (even social ones) don’t discuss “hot” topics like religion, diets or money.
4. Remember someone’s name by using it 3 times in a conversation: when being introduced, during the conversation and when saying goodbye.
5. A dirty or tattered business card is a “deal breaker”—always have a clean supply on-hand.

The good news about the Singer is that her boss (a friend of mine) called me to tell me she was impressed with the Singer's work ethic. Thank goodness. I recognize that what I see at home is not what my girls present to the world at large. But both Hubby and I feel like we've had to fight to overcome the entitlement attitude so prevalent in society to try to teach our girls a strong work ethic. Hubby's dad worked 3 jobs sometimes to keep food on the table. He did it because it was what he needed to do. Fortunately I married his son who has the same work ethic embedded in him. I know Hubby's example has been great for the girls, but with the allure of the entitlement attitude, you're never sure what's sticking with your kids. It's nice to know some of the good stuff does stick.

While speaking about success, this story is quite amazing. A homeless teen graduating with a 3.7 GPA and off to college. He's been homeless for 2 years! This is the kind of story I point out to my kids...this is what I mean when I say "It is not what happens to you, but how you respond that determines your future." This is an example where hard work and the idea of 'just keep on moving and working' brings about a better outcome. It doesn't matter what road you're on, if you stand still you'll eventually get run over.