In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO and Founder of
The Polite Company,
Kristi Spencer.
Kristi Spencer passionately spoke about the importance of using etiquette for good and not for negative purposes. She acknowledged that some people may have had bad experiences with etiquette, being chastised or embarrassed by others. As a leader, I asked Christy how to address rude behavior in a respectful and non-confrontational way. Christy suggested using a five-step process to approach such situations, emphasizing the importance of considering who the feedback is coming from and building trust with a designated "buddy" who can provide honest feedback.
Kristi's company is a beacon in the world of etiquette training, focusing on teaching essential business etiquette skills. The Polite Company covers a wide range of 'adulting' aspects, from job interviews and dining etiquette to social media and professionalism. The ultimate goal? To help individuals and organizations thrive in their respective fields.
She highlighted vital areas, such as knowing when to hit "reply all" or "reply" in email communication and setting ground rules for shared spaces, like office refrigerators or shared desk spaces. Interestingly, Kristi pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed the focus on etiquette, especially in virtual meetings.
Kristi emphasized the importance of adapting to different communication preferences and frequencies among different generations. She also acknowledged that virtual environments can lead to miscommunication and advised maintaining professionalism even when working from home.
Key Points from the Episode:
- Overview of the services provided by The Polite Company (business etiquette training)
- Common etiquette issues addressed in training (email communication, shared spaces, virtual meetings)
- Discussion on generational differences in communication etiquette
- Significance of appearances in virtual meetings
- Using etiquette for positive purposes and addressing rude behavior
- Confusion around certain etiquette practices (tipping in the workplace)
- Offerings of The Polite Company (individual coaching, business coaching, educational coaching)
About Kristi Spencer:
Kristi Spencer is a renowned etiquette instructor, and journalist known for her expertise in helping individuals and businesses present their best selves to the world. With a remarkable career spanning over two decades in TV newsrooms, she founded The Polite Company, offering personalized, in-person, and online etiquette training services.
A certified etiquette trainer and Emily Post Institute graduate, Kristi emphasizes that etiquette is not about rote rules but rather about fostering strong relationships built on consideration, respect, and honesty. She is a vocal advocate for workplace civility and professionalism, frequently sought after by media outlets for her expert opinions on etiquette matters.
Through her dedication to teaching the art of etiquette, Kristi Spencer has positively impacted countless individuals and organizations, making her a prominent figure in the field and an invaluable resource for those seeking to enhance their social and professional interactions.
About The Polite Company:
The Polite Company is a dedicated platform that emphasizes the significance of etiquette in personal and professional spheres. Committed to fostering lasting relationships and creating positive impressions, they offer various resources and courses for individuals seeking to enhance their etiquette skills.
Whether you are a beginner or wish to refine your existing knowledge, The Polite Company provides in-person and online courses, workshops, and one-on-one coaching sessions to cater to your needs. With their passion for teaching and understanding the impact of etiquette, The Polite Company is a valuable destination for anyone looking to elevate their social and professional interactions.
Tweetable Moments:
08:52 - "Well, I think that we are all born wanting some sort of acceptance and affirmation, so to just say you absolutely don't care, don't buy it because we're just kind of hardwired to want acceptance and want to be part of a group."
11:26 - "some people have had a bad experience with etiquette and some people, you know, they've been chastised for something that they said, they've been embarrassed about something that they've done, somebody has taken what they know and used it poorly against that person to make them feel less than."
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out The Polite Company website at
https://www.thepolitecompany.com/
Check out The Polite Company on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/thepolitecompanykristi/
Check out The Polite Company on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/thepolitecompanykristi/
Check out Kristi Spencer on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-spencer/
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