The Etiquette Edge - 2nd Edition by Beverly Langford (Paperback)

About the Book

Inconsiderate people and poor conduct may permeate the workplace, but success comes to those who play by a better set of rules.

Book Synopsis

In today's culture where rudeness is unfortunately becoming more routine, a strong competitive advantage goes to those who have sharpened the forgotten but fundamental skill of courtesy.

Intelligence, ambition, and skill will start you on the road to success but without strong communications skills, social savvy, and a sense of appropriate behavior, you won't get far. In The Etiquette Edge, you will get a crash course in the entire field of modern business manners.

From interviewing etiquette and dress codes to working in close quarters and communicating upward, you'll master the essentials of making a great impression and building relationships, including:

• The dos and don'ts of smartphone usage
• Handling difficult conversations with tact and finesse
• Checking your texts and emails for content and tone...before you hit send
• Creating a polished image on social media
• Conducting meetings with poise and confidence

Your coworkers and competitors are highly educated, ferociously go-getting, and great at their job...just like you. If you want to truly distinguish yourself from the crowd, focus on gaining the etiquette edge!

From the Back Cover

Good manners never go out of style. Poise, courtesy, and a professional demeanor help you stand out amid the modern workplace's cramped spaces, sloppily dressed colleagues, and curt emails.

The Etiquette Edge is your crash course on how to act, what to say, what to wear, when to phone, why lunch matters, how to make a great impression, and every question in between.

With wisdom and a dose of wit, this updated guide offers rules, examples, and action plans to:

- Banish boorish behavior: Don't interrupt, don't browse online during meetings, and don't share questionable posts on Facebook.

- Mind your digital manners: Reread emails for content and tone, double-check texts, and keep your online image spotless.

- Manage troublesome people: Neutralize a bully boss, apologize when needed, and minimize the impact of the inevitable enemy.

- Master the finer points: Run rancor-free meetings, bridge cultural divides, and handle difficult conversations with tact and finesse.

- Polish your image: Dress like a professional, interview with poise, get noticed without becoming notorious, and much more.

"Want to build stronger relationships and be more successful in business? Read this book. It will help you develop a personal action plan for increasing your credibility, having more influence, and being a better communicator." -- Ken Bernhardt, Ph.D., Regents Professor Emeritus, Robinson College of Business, Georgia State University

"Success depends on establishing and maintaining professional relationships and developing a strong personal brand. This book gives you valuable tools for handling a variety of situations to advance your career." -- Rebecca Blalock, former SVP and CIO of Southern Company, bestselling author of DARE, and managing partner of Advisory Capital

Beverly Langford, Ph.D., is president of LMA Communication, a training, coaching, and consulting firm that specializes in strategic communication and interpersonal effectiveness. She teaches in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University.

Review Quotes

"This lively, witty review of countless professional scenarios offers guidelines that can reduce stress and uncertainties in common and unusually challenging situations...Highly recommended." --Choice

"Exceptionally well written, organized and presented" --Midwest Book Review

About the Author

BEVERLY LANGFORD, PH.D., is President of LMA Communication, a training, coaching, and consulting firm specializing in strategic communication and interpersonal effectiveness. She teaches graduate business communication at Georgia State University.