Food Finesse - How do I eat that food?

Food Finesse Since you’ll be eating for the rest of your life, you should be confident while you are eating! Here are a few guidelines for some specific foods: Apples and Pears: In casual situation, eat fruit with your fingers. Bacon: If crisp, it’s a finger food. If limp, use a knife and fork. Baked Potato: With a knife, slit the potato and push the ends toward the center with your fingers. Add butter, sour cream, and whatever else you like. Bananas: At dinner, cut, peel, and eat with fork. On a picnic, peel and eat monkey style. Barbecued Ribs: These are definitely a finger food, but nothing is finger lickin’ good. Bread, Rolls, Muffins, Biscuits: Break off a small piece; butter and eat only this much at a time. Don’t butter or cut the whole roll. Break and butter your bread over your bread plate to keep crumbs where they belong. Butter: Butter is placed on your bread plate, if you have one; if not, put the butter on your dinner plate. Celery, Carrot Sticks, Pickles: Eat with your fingers. Cheese Spread: Spread a little on a cracker; don’t weigh it down. Corn on the Cob: Butter, salt, and eat a few rows at a time. Butter drooling down your chin isn’t a pretty sight, so avoid overdoing it. Crackers: Sure, why not… put them in your soup, a few at a time. Large crackers should be eaten separately. Cupcakes and Brownies: Break and eat with your fingers. Dip: Dip the munchie only once before it enters your mouth. No double dipping! If the dip is on your plate, you may dip and dip and dip. French Fries: These are a finger food. Dip them into the catsup; rather than pouring catsup all over your fries. Use a fork if on main dining plate or if covered in gravy. Fried Chicken: It’s generally a finger food, but follow your host or hostess. Grapes: Cut or break off a bunch, but eat one at a time using your fingers. Gravy or Sauce: Pour it on top of whatever it’s meant for. Don’t have everything on your plate drowning in gravy. Hamburgers and Hot Dogs: Eat with your fingers. Add your toppings, but don’t overdo do it or they will get messy. Jellies (Mint, Apple, Cranberry): Spoon them onto your plate next to the meat. Take a little on your fork and eat it with the meat. Olives: Eat with your fingers. The olive pit is removed from your mouth with cupped fingers. Pizza: Hold a piece in your fingers, curling up the sides to avoid losing the filling. Use a fork if gooey or if it has lots of toppings. Popsicles and Ice Cream Bars: Keep the paper on the bottom until you are finished. Pound Cake: Use your fingers to break and eat. If you add topping, use a fork or spoon. Salad: Use your salad fork if it is a separate course. Use your dinner fork if it is part of your entrée. You may cut large pieces of lettuce with a knife (leave your knife on your salad plate) Shrimp Cocktail: Dip the shrimp into the cocktail sauce, using your seafood fork or use your fingers if the tail is on. (An entrée of Fried or broiled shrimp with the tail on or off should be eaten with a fork) Soup: Tilt the spoon away from you. When you get to the bottom, you may also tilt the bowl away from you. If your soup is too hot, be patient it will cool. Just make sure you don’t blow on it. If the soup is served in a cup with handles, pick it up and drink from it. Never ever slurp. Spaghetti: With your dinner fork, wind a few strands at a time by putting the tines down on the plate and bring it to your mouth (or use a pasta spoon to hold the pasta to the fork). Do not cut. Sticky Cake: Use a fork. Strawberries: Large strawberries may be eaten whole. Grasp the stem and take a couple of bites. Leave the stem on your plate. Sushi: May be eaten with your fingers, but mastering chopsticks will make you look like a pro. Tacos: Hold the taco in your fingers and eat from one side only. Watermelon Slice: A large slice should be cut to bite size with your knife and fork. Use cupped fingers to remove the seeds and leave them on your plate. And, how is food served? Food is served from the left and removal from the right. Note: People seated together always introduce themselves to each other as a sign of courtesy and respect, even when they expect to conduct separate conversations. Bon appétit!

The Dining Do's

Like it or not – “Table Manners” are the single most important benchmark when referring to "Good Manners." We are offering some "Table Do's" today to help you feel confident at your next business or social dining event. We also added a picture of a full table setting for your review. Dining Do’s • Sit up straight, but not stuffy. Your forearm may rest on the table if there is room and your elbows may also rest there in between courses. • Put your napkin on your lap. Use it. Place it on the table, not the chair, if you have to get up during a meal and when you are finished. • Wait for your host or hostess to begin eating or give a signal to begin. • Serve food from the left and remove from the right. Drinks are served and removed from the right. • Bring the food to your mouth, not your mouth down to the food. • Pass both the salt and pepper (one in each hand) even when someone asks for just one. • Break your bread, one piece at a time, butter and eat. • Place a soup spoon, teaspoon or iced tea spoon on the saucer under it. Nix the noise while stirring. • Pick up a dropped utensil at someone’s home (surely the hostess will notice and get you a clean one). Leave it on the floor at a restaurant and ask for another. • Remove a seed, an olive pit, a bone or a piece of gristle from your mouth with your cupped fingers. Hide it under something on your plate, not on the table or in your napkin. • Wipe your nose at the table, with a handkerchief or Kleenex if necessary, but never on your napkin. If you have to blow, excuse yourself and go to the restroom. • Eat finger foods with your fingers, but then use your napkin because nothing is “finger lickin’ good”. • Tilt the soup spoon away from you, like a ship going out to sea, and then bring it up to your mouth. • Eat what you can but don’t make an issue of what you “don’t like” or “can’t eat”; say only “No, thank you” when declining food. Please note these comments are for U.S. dining etiquette. Each culture has different ways of showing "good table manners." If you are heading to another country reach out and ask us. We will help you find out how to fit into any new cultural setting.

What do "good manners" really mean and how do we practice them?

At Manners Pro, we like to say that manners are the nice way of doing things. Good manners help others feel more comfortable and know what to expect next. To that end, in the business world, home world or school world, how can we best practice good manners in a proactive way? It is not just opening doors for others; it is a mindset about how we approach relationships that will really help us practice good manners. Consider the following: 1. Understand the power of your words. How different could our relationships look if we committed to saying positive things like “thank you” and “great job” more often? I submit those relationships would be much more positive. Our words carry more weight than we know. Our words can speak positivity into the people around us if we’re willing to run them through a filter of consideration for others first - which is the very definition of having good manners. This doesn’t mean that we have to sugarcoat everything or shy away from the truth. It simply means we should be slow to critique and quick to compliment and encourage others. 2. Commit to helping others succeed. If you are successful in life, then good for you. But if those around you are successful, that will define the legacy you leave and how others think of you. Our friends, coworkers, spouses and kids won’t remember us for what we accomplish, but instead for what we helped them to accomplish and how we encouraged them on along the way. If you are sincerely committed to helping others around you reach their goals, you will be the person people regard as having great matters and the most consideration for others.

Smooth Operator Part 2

Can't seem to start conversations at a party? Try these tips! 1) Plan your opening line - silence is sometimes golden but not always at a party. Have a line like "how do you know the host?" to help you break the ice. Other great openers are things that are localized like talk of sports teams, the weather, etc. Try things like "how about those Astros last night? Did you see that game?" Practice makes perfect so start talking to people you meet in grocery stores or uber drivers. It will help next time you are in a networking situation and need to break the ice. 2) Be comfortable with silence. This is an art. Some times people talk just to not hear silence. Pausing before speaking lets you listen then respond. This type of behavior will actually make people want to talk to you because you make them feel important by listening attentively to what they have to say

Smooth Operator Part 1

Ever been in an awkward conversation and looking for a way to get out? Or you are just uncomfortable with small talk with strangers? We can help you with a few tips/tricks 1) "Boy do I need a refill!" is a tried and true way to break away - but they could follow so be ready. 2) Saying you have to make a phone call is a better way to excuse yourself and avoid any followers. 3) Change the subject - if the path of the conversation is one you are unfamiliar with or just think is inappropriate you can help steer the conversations with probing question. People always like to talk about themselves and can be a quick way to turn a conversation around or get it going. Think of questions like Where were born and raised? Where did you go to school? What company do you work for? Those kinds of questions inevitably will help you find some common ground with folks and keep the conversation flowing.

Master of the Coffee Interview - Part 1

Rules for handling informational one-on-one coffee interviews considerately, efficiently, and with panache! Rule 1 - Be specific. When you email someone for a coffee let them know exactly how they can help you. Don't mass email your address book. That is like sending spam mail coupons and hoping someone uses them. Ask them for example to objectively review your resume or information about changing departments in your industry. You may also want to hear about someone' career path or their particular company. Don't ever, ever ask for a job, even though you may be looking for one. Coffee meetings are for sharing information and establishing a connection.

Polite Gestures That Never Fail to Impress

1) We often get a "What?" or "Huh?" When you say "pardon me" or "excuse me" it seems kinder and less terse. 2) Bringing food to someone experiencing a stressful situation. You may not be able to solve their problems but you can show you care. 3) Wipe down counters in public restroom. You know how they are always wet so use your hand towel to do a quick sweep of the sinks before you leave. It shows the next person you care. 4) Help others place luggage in overhead bin or remove it after a flight. You cannot get any more helpful. 5) Say thank you for your service to every veteran you meet. They are the reason we get to talk about manners in our free society.

Finishing School Short Course - Correspondence

This month we will give quick tips for a polished and professional image in any social or business situation. You don't need finishing school to learn these things - just a few reminders will get you far. Correspondence 1) Email Response - Try to respond within 24 hours. 2) Expressing Gratitude - When you receive a gift or a favor, send a handwrtten thank you note. It only needs to be a few sentences. Completely a a loss, use small stationery and write one sentence - I really appreciate.... Incude a warm greeting and a sign off. Mail the note as soon as you can (2 weeks at latest). 3) Business Thank You - After a job interview, send an immediate email of thanks and mention a note is in the mail. The note is more tactile, visual and emotional so it is worth the time. HR groups may interpret this as a demonstration of strong interpersonal skills. Also send a handwritten note if someone gives you a letter of recommendation. 4) Email Greetings and Sign Offs - I think it is important to have you name and phone and email on any email signature throughout the correspondence. I know it makes some email chains seem longer but it allows people to quickly find your phone number if they want to call you on the matter. Having to look you up is an inconvenience for them. Pay attention to signature boxes - it lets people know how you would like to be called, whether by full name or nickname. 5) Reply All - Click when the group needs addressing, but otherwise spare everyone else on the list. 6) Bcc on Emails - Use bcc only to maintain the privacy of addreses in group email,not as a sneaky one way mirror to conversation. If you want someone else to see what you wrote then forward it to them after it is sent.

Finishing School Short Course - Networking

This month we are doing a quick overview on a variety of topics to help you get through any social situation. Networking 1) Mingling - getting it right is hard to do if you don't have practice. To join a new conversation at an event, catch someone's eye, smile and enter the clique on a break. If you see someone who wants to participate in your group, pull her in when there's a lull. 2) Switching Groups - Instaed of saying "Excuse me I have to go to the bathroom", try "It's been so nice talking with you, please excuse me." There is nothing wrong about going to a new group at a party, it's why you are there - to socialize! 3) Connecting People - Introduce the parties andexplain what they have in common. Then say, I am going to leave you two to discuss. I will follow up with you both later."

Maneuvering Tough Interview Questions Well

There is always something about a person or resume that may spark tough questions. Here are some thoughts on how to answer these like a pro. 1) Your resume shows you have bounced from job to job or city to city. When interviewer asks why you move so much, a good answer may be that you like to seek out challenges and that all your past jobs have given you a variety of skills that you believe you can implement at this new job. Also emphasize that you want to continue to grow so they know you will be someone who sticks around! 2) You may be young and not had a lot of work experience. Sometimes you have to do a lot of grunt work at entry level positions. They may ask things like "How do you feel about making copies and getting coffee?" Your answer could be genuine - I hate that ...but I will do anything needed for a great job and a great boss and in time I hope I will prove myslef more valuable and give me more to do. That shows you have a positive attitude and want to grow. 3) The inevitable question if you are leaving a job is why are you leaving? One answer is that you like your job but believe this is a unique opportunity that you cannot pass up. That kind of answer does not disparage your current employer and shows you are a go-getter!

Sneaky Interview Tricks To Learn What You are Really Getting Into (Part II)

So there are some things you really want to know after an interview but how can I ask these questions without being crass? 1) You want to know "Will I ever get promoted or is this a dead end job?" Ask where are the people that had this job before me? You want to see whether they stayed at the company, left, or moved up. This answer says a lot about the potential of the position. 2) You want to know "Do people like it here?" Ask nothing! You can see it on people's faces and in their interactions. This is a good reason to come a little early to an interview to see what is going on. Ask to use the restroom and observe as you walk. Are people chatting, laughing, or crickets? Find former employees through your linkedin or facebook networks. They may be happy to give you insight as well.

Sneaky Interview Tricks To Learn What You are Really Getting Into (Part I)

So there are some questions in an interview you really want to know the answer to but you just don't know how to ask without sounding crass...Here are some thoughts: 1) You want to know "What is the salary?" Here is what you can ask - I'd love to understand this role better. How does a typical workday go, what the compensation like, and how many people would I be supervising? Because It's perfectly fine to ask about pay, but it's tough to pull off a pointed questions. Wrap it in a few other quearies, and they'll give you some ballpark figures. Also websites help to know a general range (www.salary.com) for example to see if the salary seems fair. 2) You want to know "Is the boss crazy? Ask How can I succeed here? You will be able to tease out boss' expectations. When they say we want you to have a work-life balance you know one thing but when they say we want you to dedicate yourself to work that says something else. Employee turnover is also an important signal of what its like to wortk there.

Interview Mistakes to Avoid (Part II)

You are about to interview for your dream job! Don't blow it! 1. Qualify Nothing. A lot of people have negative speech habits like kinda, actually, literally, well... (i.e. I am kinda thinking about moving to the area). These types of qualifiers serve as a hedge and make it seem like you are not confident about yourself or the position. Disclaimers are also a distraction for an interviewer. (i.e. Well, I was considering following up.) These statements undermine your credibility. Check your speech "tics" before an interview. Have friend listen to you and note the "tics" or record yourself on a conversation with a friend to find these speech patterns - because literally a speech tic could literally kill any chances you have of getting the job, literally. 2. Stay on Topic. Talk only about things that directly correlate with your ability to do the job; your knowledge, skills, and abilities. For legal reasons, interviewers are trained to stay away from trouble spots but interviewees often open up too much when interviewing. For example, you may casually mention a family problem or talk about your favorite sports team. You never know when a interviewer may be a die hard fan of a rival sports team. Don't ever let extraneous things impede your chances to get the job - when really your ability is all that matters. 3. Pare Down. Many people bring extraneous things to an interview. They really serve as a distraction to you and others. Consider leaving the cell phone in the car. Bring a small purse, if any, so that your hands are always free to shake hands without too much of a juggling act. Leave drinks, magazines, etc. at home too. Everything you bring in is subject to judgment by the interviewer so keep it to minimum and most importantly keep the focus on you and your ability to do a great job!

Interview Mistakes to Avoid (Part I)

You are applying for your dream job! Don't blow it! 1) Ladies (and men!) leave the stilettos at home. The first sign you will not be hired is if you are not dressed for the part. Either overdress with too much makeup, jewelry, or impractical shoes. This is the not the look that says I can put in a 12 hour day in these things. Show you are serious - that does not mean dowdy but it does mean you don't wear every fashion forward piece you own at once. You can also dress too down for an interview. Say you are applying for an entry level job in a mail room, don't come in running shoes and t-shirt to the interview. Wear sophisticated clothes - one step above what is to be expected on the job, not a whole ladder. 2) Don't air your grievances. One of the most important parts of the interview is when you explain the decisions you have made - why you have chosen prior jobs and why you are moving to another job now. These explanations speak volumes about your motivation and attitude. It is never flattering to use this time to air your frustrations about your current boss or bad situation. Find a positive way to frame the situation. You don't have to fake it and say it was all rosy, but say how much you learned from your experiences and how you have learned to deal with difficult situations in a positive way.

Thoughts on Good Leadership (Part III)

How do you get slackers to chip in? The initial reaction is to think what is their problem? But really we should ask is everything ok? Often people check out for a reason, home struggles, parent illness, etc. If someone is riding coattails, check on them and then assign them a task where others will be impacted so they invest in it too. No one wants to let a group down. Have them do a specific task you can monitor and followup with them, on both their task and any personal problems. They will be motivated to help out when you show you care. How do you encourage creative thinking? When you can, start a project with a brainstorming session where people can speak freely. There should be no such thing as a lousy idea - keep a log and keep building. Suggestions are seeds of thought that a group can work together to nurture the good seeds.

Thoughts on Good Leadership (Part II)

What is the best way to step up in a leadership position when there is no clear leader? When you are in a group where there is no clear leader, the easiest way to help steer the group is to say "I am happy to ensure that everything goes smoothly. I want everyone here to have what they need to make things happen. That tone says I am here to serve and give and that will allow you to naturally find yourself in a leadership position. An effective leader cares most about everyone doing their best to get the job done well, even if that means taking a supporting role. Once you're in command, how to gain trust of team members? Give them a lot of independence but check in on each person periodically, in other words, let people succeed and let them fail while providing training and guidance. When a new project needs to be launched put someone in charge of it. If the project succeeds let the person know what a great job they did and if it fails don't get mad, work with them to rectify it. From Simon Sinek, author of Leaders Eat Last.

Thoughts on Good Leadership (Part I)

What attribute does a leader need most? See yourself as teh protector of those in your group. A good boss will make sure that her employees have all the tools they need to do their job. Public acknowledgement of hard work will make people feel appreciated and safe. If people feel unsafe or that their leader is trying to take advantage of them they will concentrate on protecting themselves and as a result focus less on the task at hand. What is a common mistake leaders make? Thinking you have to have all the answers. No one knows everything a good leader is comfortable with that. Instead be grateful to be surrounded by people that can help you figure things out. Also when things are not done perfectly, good leaders don't get angry. They are not afraid to discuss how to adapt for the future. From Simon Sinek - Leaders Eat Last.

Real Reasons You Get Hired (Part II)

While your resume may be stellar, it is important to remember that your resume alone will not be why a company hires you. Remember there are a lot of smart, talented folks with similar experience. Make yourself stand out! So for your interviews consider the following: 1) You've Done Your Homework Do not walk into an interview without really knowing about the company. We all can "google" it and we should. When you walk and don't know most all publicly available info on a company, you are wasting the interviewers time and yours. Further, you seem to have hubris - like you deserve the job whether you know anything about it or not. I interviewed countless potential hires for one of my former companies where they said they were interested in working in California or New York - the company did not even have offices there!!! Get that stuff right or you will be summarily marked off the list. 2) Show You Can Think On Your Feet Some trash on the floor in the office as you walk through? Pick it up and throw it away. That shows you are conscientious and don't pass by problems. The drink spills over at the interview? Walk out and ask about towel and stay calm. Show you can handle any situation. 3) Ask for the Job If you liked your interview experience and you believe the company is a fit for you, ask for the job. Do not leave the interview and just hope for the best. Say thank you for the interview, I really want this job and would love the opportunity to work with you. That will go a long way to ensuring you are at the top of the list!

Real Reasons You Get Hired (Part I)

While your resume may be stellar, it is important to remember that your resume alone will not be why a company hires you. Remember there are a lot of smart, talented folks with similar experience. Make yourself stand out! So for your interviews consider the following: 1) Look Pulled Together About clothes: they matter. Dress for the part you aspire to be - not just the job you are interviewing for. Do not wear anything casual like miniskirts or tube tops. Get something that fits you well and that you are comfortable in. Also be prepared for anything on interview day. Raining outside, bring your umbrella. Hot, get there early so you can cool down and look calmed for your interview. Pulled together will say you want this job, no matter what. 2) Be Into Something Be a human!!! Your answer to every question should not be that you enjoy spending hours plugging away at a desk and just want to be a great worker. Yawn! I don't want to hang out with you 12 hours a day. I want to know people who have a passion for other things like golfing, gardening, stamp collecting - anything! Play sports? Mention that too. Group sports show you can work well with a team and deal well with pressure. Its these intangibles that often have the greatest appeal. 3) Don't talk Poorly About Current Employer Even if your current boss is horrible, do not throw her under the bus at your interview. Make it a positive. You have learned from current job and are ready to move on to a new opportunity. Leave it at that. You will come off as a positive worker and everyone wants to find positive folks to work with.

How To Work Effectively with Workaholic Bosses

Many people have bosses that are permanently glued to their desk chairs. These bosses are there when you get to work and there when you leave. So how do you ever go home without looking like a slacker? This is quite a challenge. You defintely should not sneak out and hope to avoid an awkward encounter. You should also avoid "faking it" by throwing your over coat on your chair like you just stepped away but you have really left. That could waste colleague's time if they are looking for you. An employee's first priority should be conveying that you are working hard and that you are good at your job. This requires communicating clearly and frequently about your progress and results. If you deliver what the boss needs consistently, then hours should not be a problem. Even if you do not consistently match your boss's long hours every night, it is important to work late during crises or when a major project deadline is looming. Further, extra hours at night may gain more recognition than extra hours at dawn in an empty office. Also it is important to understand what assumptions you are making about what your boss wants. If he is a morning person, he may just work better in the morning hours and not really expect the same from you. Additionally, generational gaps in the work force (often between bosses and their subordinates) exist and "face time" is certainly a phenomena that baby boomers value as opposed to Gen Y'rs who can work on their phones from anywhere on the globe. Nonetheless, great boss/employee relationships are all about setting expectations and finding what works for you both while still getting all your work done.