Being polite in the 21st century

The term "etiquette" is often associated with saying "please," or "thank you," holding a door for someone, perhaps even choosing the right fork for your salad.   

Baby boomers often relied on etiquette advice from newspaper columns that offered snippets of advice about proper manners.

But Emily Post never had to tackle text messaging, ever-dinging emails, online dating, smartphones, social media, work cultures such as Uber or Airbnb or a highly connected internet-of-things world.

It’s fair to say that while good manners are timeless, the 21st century challenges families and workers about proper etiquette and how to act in unfamiliar life and work situations.

Life is no longer governed by a set of rules and simple standards. Where does one look for the right advice?

The Etiquette Academy (TEA) at 192 Taché Avenue understands this new reality and offers help to those who feel a little confused or overwhelmed.

The Norwood operation opened in March 2013, offering programs and training to help kids, teens, adults and companies navigate through uncharted waters of etiquette, manners and civility.

Lewena Bayer created the Academy, an affiliate of her parent company Civility Experts Worldwide, in response to an "age of distraction that deters people from engaging others and building positive relationships."

A McGill graduate, she began a career in hotels and hospitality management where she honed civility and etiquette skills working with clients in dining, banquet, wedding and business settings.

She began teaching etiquette and soft skills to girls 18 years ago, offering unique Courtesy Camps in Winnipeg. The organization has since expanded into 67 affiliates in 23 countries, including outlets in Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Australia, U.S., Mexico, Lebanon and Dubai.

She notes that proper civility practice today includes showing restraint, solving problems, being present for others, and making proactive decisions. Many of today’s digital conveniences make it "very easy to create lazy habits, find excuses or take the easy route over the learning route."

Lewena believes that proper etiquette springs from on one basic tenet —"to be considerate of others’ feelings before deciding how to act or what to say."

The team takes great pride in helping clients avoid embarrassment in a variety of social and cultural settings; and in building valuable EQ skills that lead to happier and more meaningful family and work lives.

The Norwood office offers workshops for all ages and needs: the Rosebud Club Camp for girls ages five to eight, My Very Best Camp for girls aged nine to 12 and the Real Beauty Boot Camp for girls aged 12 to 15, a two-day intensive Executive Finishing School, and tailor-made business etiquette workshops for innumerable settings. Clients include Fortune 500 companies.

Private coaching is available for anyone who needs help handling life’s sticky social or cultural situations.

Contact Lewena at pr@civilityexperts.com with questions. Learn more about the company at www.ingoodcompanyetiquette.com

Adriano Magnifico is a community correspondent for St. Boniface. You can contact him at amagnif@mymts.net