Etiquette School of Ohio

Locker Room Etiquette

I didn’t ask to see it. I didn’t want to see it. I hope I never see it again.

A woman was going about her business in the locker room completely disrobed. Yes, there are times when we are all disrobed in the locker room, but not for an entire 30 minutes and not throughout the entire locker room.

I believe the towel was invented to help prevent this from happening. For the fashion conscious, there are designer towels in designer colors to meet your needs. Hey, I would have been thrilled to have seen one of the white generic models used in my unwanted experience.

Here are a few basic guidelines to keep the locker room experience a positive one:

1. Please minimize the amount of time you must be disrobed. After showering, wrap yourself in a towel as you return to your locker, dry your hair, apply make-up, or shave.

2. Do not use the wall mounted hand driers to dry body parts other than your hands.

3. Learn to share the bench in front of your locker. I’ve seen individuals spread all of their belongings out across the entire bench.

4. If you must stretch, please do so fully clothed. In fact there are areas in the gymnasium set up just for this activity.  Check it out.

5. Keep conversation to a minimum. If you must converse, remember eye to eye contact. Be aware most people are in a hurry to return to work or home and don’t have time for idle chit chat.

6. If you are applying body powder, do so while standing on a towel, then pick the towel up when you are finished. This keeps the floor clean and slip free.

7. Dress quickly with your back to others. You may also find you can get dressed in stages, top then bottoms, to avoid complete nakedness.

8. Do not stare. Do not solicit attention to yourself. We’ve seen it already.

The Reciprocity of Business Networking

I frequently discuss the benefits and importance of establishing a strong network of contacts with my college students as well as business professionals. I strongly emphasize that networking is a two-way street of give and take. Hopefully, there’s more giving than taking.

Here are a few basic rules for establishing a reciprocal network:

1. You must make connections in addition to being connected.

2. Focus on giving more than getting. Don’t worry, it magically balances in the long term. Remember the Christmas Story?

3. Give generously without keeping score. In fact, don’t ever keep score.

4. Always ask yourself what you can do for someone else rather than asking what they can do for you.

5. Always send thanks to any individual who has helped or done something for you.

I hope today’s younger generations pay close attention to these rules since it is those generations who are criticized for their “it’s all about me” attitudes.

This is some of the most valuable information I can give them as they strive for successful careers.

How To Use Ketchup Properly

When dining in a restaurant, do not apply ketchup directly to your sandwich or fries. Instead, pour a small amount on the edge of your plate and use a knife to spread it on your sandwich.

The same rule applies to fries. After pouring the ketchup on the edge of the plate, you may dip your fries individually. (See the July 21, 2007, posting on “How To Eat French Fries”.)

How To Address a Married Woman

When a woman marries and takes her husband’s name, she is referred to in conversation and written correspondence with Mrs. preceding her husband’s name. For example, Mrs. David Smith rather than Mrs. Sally Smith.

If a woman’s first name is used, it is appropriate to use Ms.. For example, Ms. Sally Smith.

Applying Lipstick in Public

Applying lipstick falls under the category of personal grooming. Personal grooming is not appropriate in public places.

I am frequently asked if a lady should apply lipstick at the table after a meal. This is probably the most violated or at least the most visually broken rule of grooming. If you must freshen your lipstick, excuse yourself to do so in private or in the restroom.

For all the men out there who think this doesn’t apply to them, this includes your application of lip balm. Do it in private.

Business Dining - The Doggy Bag

Asking for a doggy bag or any other container to take the uneaten portion of your meal home is inappropriate in a business setting.

If you’re having lunch with a good friend during the workday and paying separately, you may ask for a doggy bag. Please take only the portion of food not eaten and leave the extra condiments, (sugar packets, butter, ketchup, etc.), at the restaurant.

Exercise Etiquette - Clean the Equipment

After using an exercise machine, please wipe the piece of equipment off with a towel. Many fitness centers provide members with spray bottles of cleaning solution to use when wiping down the machine as well.

If you’re sitting on a machine, you may want to place a towel beneath you to help absorb sweat.

While walking on a treadmill, place a towel on the handrail to keep your hands dry.

Failure to clean the equipment contributes to the spreading of germs. Most of all, it’s just disgusting.

Accessorize Your Professional Image Carefully

You’ve taken a great deal of care purchasing the proper attire to achieve the perfect professional image. Make sure you take as much care choosing the appropriate accessories to complement your attire.

1. Skip the plastic pen and splurge on purchasing a professional looking pen.

2. Examine your watch. Is the band and face in good condition? Does it look professional or is it a casual sports watch? By the way, no Mickey Mouse or Ninja watches.

3. Computer cases, briefcases, and handbags should be in good condition.

4. The heels on your shoes should not be worn down. No scuff marks on shoes.

5. Wallets should be in good condition. Men may want to consider using a money clip for their bills and using a thin wallet for credit cards. This helps avoid the “bulging wallet in the back pocket look”.

6. Umbrellas should be in good condition. Solid and dark colors look more professional than floral prints and polka dots.

7. Leather belts should be well maintained.

Q & A

Do you have a specific etiquette question? Just ask. I will be happy to help you.

This is an interactive site.  Please submit your etiquette question in the comment box and I will respond on this page. You may also e-mail your question to me at sandy@etiquetteschoolofohio.com.

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Q. A coworker in my office plays music on a CD player throughout the day. Many times the music is distracting or even offensive to me. It’s most annoying when she sings along. Other coworkers seem to enjoy the music. Is this appropriate in the office?

A. When working in an office environment, we need to be aware of our surroundings so we don’t disturb the work of others. We are after all getting paid to work and be productive. When speaking on the phone we should keep our voices lowered. If music is allowed in the office, it should be played at a volume only the listener can hear. You should ask your coworker to please turn the volume down. It’s possible she doesn’t realize how loud it is.

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Office Microwave Etiquette

If you use it, you clean it. This rule applies not only to the microwave, but to all kitchen appliances, dishes, and utensils in the office. Your mother is not at the office to clean up after you. Be responsible for yourself.

Simply wet a paper towel and wipe any spills or splatters that may have occurred while using the microwave. A great way to avoid splatters is to make sure your food is covered while it is cooking.

Failure to clean the microwave immediately after the spill allows the food to become encrusted in the oven permeating the entire office with unwanted odors.

No one enjoys the lunch or snack that keeps giving and giving and giving…