This Is Not Your Grandmother's Etiquette!

When people hear the word "Manners", they all seem to agree that it is a subject whose lessons are sorely needed today. However, it also evokes images of a by-gone era where men wore hats and ladies wore gloves- while sipping tea with their pinky extended. However, this is not your grandmother's etiquette anymore. This is life.

In today's world, "manners" has evolved into an entirely new, broad-based subject area called "Life Skills". As such, they are the skills people need to know to successfully navigate through their life and career. It's one thing to know how to use dining utensils properly, or how to pass the salt and pepper. But it's another matter entirely to know how to prepare for and have a successful job interview, write a formal letter, manage your finances and how to speak well. Life Skills are practical and hold a very important role in one's life. We are judged in life in three key areas: The way we act, the way we dress and how we speak. It is these three qualities which establish the foundation upon which we can build a successful life.

More and more schools are recognizing how important it is to teach practical life skills to their students. Just last week, Westbury, Long Island announced that they will be adding manners to their course curriculum. Charlotte, N.C., has also brought in etiquette experts to teach the necessary skills students will need. Glen Rock, N.J. is teaching table manners and conversation to its students. Countless experts are popping up in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. as all are recognizing the potency of these personal skills. I have been teaching these skills to some of the area high school students and have been overwhelmed by their enthusiasm and desire to learn how they can put their best face forward. Upon the end of one of the lessons, a student remarked, "Wow! We actually learned something today!"

Traditionally, manners were thought to be the property of the upper-class. In today's world, where we have leveled the playing field to such a great degree, the opportunity to succeed is there for all. These skills are an absolutely necessary and integral part of achieving success. That is because they arm people with the confidence to speak, act and dress in the manner which will gain the most favor for them. According to the National Association of Colleges, the number one skill prospective employers seek in job candidates is communication skills. The Harvard Business Review rated the "ability to communicate" the most important factor in making an executive "promotable". People who are well-spoken command respect. Having the refinement of knowing how to act and conduct yourself in any setting only serves to further edify one's overall character and confidence. The question is: are we preparing our students today with the skills which will greatly enhance their ability to succeed? Should our focus be more on personal and people skills and less on some of the current classroom curriculum? In the end, we need to incorporate some type of life skills training into every school curriculum as an enhancement to its regular curriculum.

When students take an interest in their personal skills development, it demonstrates self-respect. Respect is the basis for all etiquette. Self-respect is the only thing necessary to desire to enhance and improve the personal skills which will help people navigate the successful life. Keeping your pinky extended to sip tea worked for your grandmother. But acing job interviews, writing memos, dressing and speaking well will work for you!

Brian C. Haggerty is an author, columnist and public speaker. His book, "Personal & Professional Life Skills for Success", available at Amazon.com is a modern framework which helps people put their best face forward while attaining ultimate self-confidence in any situation. It addresses the 3 key areas in which we are assessed by others: The manner in which we speak, how we dress and how we present ourselves. A recent Harvard, Stanford and Carnegie Institute study found that 85% of our success in life is determined by our people skills; while only 15% is determined by our technical skills. Discover today how to be the best you can be! Carry yourself with confidence! Make the greatest impression you can in your social and business life. Learn more at http://www.brianhaggertyspeaks.com/

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