Product Description
In today's increasingly diverse and ever-changing work environments, the old rules of conduct often don't seem to apply anymore. Customs vary, and language and cultural differences, not to mention evolving office hierarchies, are among the many factors making interaction an increasingly complex challenge.

The Etiquette Edge offers a clear, commonsense approach to making courtesy, etiquette, and respect for others a competitive advantage in the workplace. Rather than dwelling on dry, nitpicky "rules," the book emphasizes appropriate, effective communication and behavior as a means to get ahead. Simply written and containing quizzes, checklists, and sidebar examples, the book shows readers how to:

* Recover from a major workplace faux pas
* Handle sensitive e-mail and phone communications
* Make a great impression on bosses, and get along with "enemies"
* Deliver unwelcome information, including condolences
* Manage confrontations with courtesy

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 9 reviews)

Covers the basics for office etiquette

This book covers etiquette basics for the workplace in less than 200 pages. I've read a number of etiquette books, so I have to admit I didn't find that many new concepts in the pages. I did enjoy reading it as a quick "brush-up" on things I tend to forget, though (like not trying to finish other people's sentences!!!). The book covers most of the topics you need to know for business etiquette. A few include:

Non-verbal communication
Cursing and Language
Listening Skills
Cell phones
Email
Travel
Office Space
Gender Divide
Lunch and Socializing
Interviewing & Leaving a Job Gracefully
Confronting with Courtesy

A few topics that I found especially interesting included what to do when you friend becomes your boss and how to deliver unwelcome information. Each chapter in the book is fairly short, which means it can be read quickly to grasp main concepts, but there is not a whole lot of detail. For some readers, this may fulfill their needs just fine. The author lists a bibliography at the end for those who want to research specific topics further. This book is geared towards professional office employees (like those at major corporations), although others may find the information useful. For a book more geared towards salespeople and small business owners, Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work may be a more appropriate choice.

Overall this book is a great place to start for learning a bit of etiquette or reminding yourself of what you should be doing. For readers seeking a detailed business etiquette book, The Etiquette Advantage in Business:Personal Skills for Professional Success (a whopping 550+ pages) provides more in-depth information.

July 19, 2008

A Great "Plane" read

A big theme in business writing today is the importance of EQ (Emotional/Social Intelligence), the ability to perceive, assess, and manage the emotions of oneself and others. The research is clear and consistent: Good leaders and highly effective people have high EQ. Whereas, most authors deal with the importance of EQ in theory, Langford gives us an owner's manual for EQ applied and she doesn't even mention the word in the book!
This is a much needed and practical "how-to" book on working and communicating with others in the 21st Century work environment. In short, Etiquette Edge is about building and deploying the character and personal brand equity needed to succeed in today's work place.
Pithy and to the point short chapters make this book a great office "devotional" - a helpful, time-efficient way to jump start a day in the office with a relevant idea to make this day more effective. I gave each of my early-career children a copy to read with a strong suggestion that if they wanted to see a penny of their inheritance, they'd better read it!

June 25, 2008

This is a winner!

This book defies the typical stereotype of "manners' books, by its spot on feel for workplace reality, its very practical, "why to/how to" approach, and its easy, conversational style (not to mention its easy to read size!) As an executive coach, it is the one book I pass along most frequently to clients with consistent, positive feedback.

June 18, 2008

This is an outstanding book!

People I meet in business are often perplexed about the best way to handle many day to day interactions with their boss, their peers, their customers and even their "enemies." Dr. Beverly Langford has written a powerful book about how to act in those frequent situations where the right action is often not obvious. The book is so well organized in thirty topical chapters, I was able to skip around and read the ones that were particularly relevant to me at the time. I gave this book to my children who are just starting their careers, but I also find myself recommending it to executives who've been in the workplace for a long time--it's that helpful. It's extremely well written and is one of the most practical workplace books I've ever read. I really liked this book!
June 10, 2008

Valuable for the experienced and the inexperienced Professional

What an outstanding guide for situations that both new and seasoned business professionals invariably encounter!

Written in an easy-to-read, no-nonsense style, this book is relevant to all professionals. Whether you need to know how to engage a peer who is now your manager, or how to deal with a sometimes unprofessional and often irritating teammate, the book is full of practical guidance and invaluable insight.
May 25, 2008

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work
by Jacqueline Whitmore

When the Little Things Count . . . and They Always Count: 601 Essential Things That Everyone In Business Needs to Know
by Barbara Pachter

The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success
by Peggy Post, Peter Post

5 Steps To Professional Presence: How to Project Confidence, Competence, and Credibility at Work
by Susan Bixler, Lisa Scherrer Dugan

Business Etiquette For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance))
by Sue Fox