AboutCynthia Lett Expertise Proper manners with friends,family,colleagues,neighbors and everyone else you know.
Experience I have been an etiquette expert teaching and consulting on the subject worldwide since 1983. I started and run the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals and am considered a leader in the field. I edited "Etiquette for Dummies" and have recently written "Lett's Talk - Everyday Etiquette Dilemmas and What to Do about Them".
I taught the Business Protocol class to Master's level students at the George Washington University, Washington, DC.
Chief of Protocol for MCI Telecommunications.
Organizations International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals, ASTD, PCMA, National Speakers Association
Publications I have been quoted over 700 times in the past 5 years worldwide. Publications include Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Washington Times, NY Times, Washington Business Journal, USA Today, Associated Press, London Times, Newsweek Japan edition, Newsweek US edition and many many more.
Education/Credentials I am a Certified Etiquette Professional (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professional (CPP) earned by examination through ISPEP.
I have a Master's degree in hospitality law and undergrad degrees in Restaurant & Hotel Management and Public Relations/Interpersonal Communications from Purdue University.
Awards and Honors Who's Who Worldwide,Who's Who of American Women, Distinguished Darden Professor (Purdue University).
Past/Present Clients World Bank, United Nations,US Dept. of State, US. Dept. of the Army, Pentagon, Barclays Global Investors,Accenture,AT&T,Bank of America,American Association of Clinical Pharmacies,Ritz Carlton Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Marriott Hotels,Starwood Hotels,and many more.
Expert: Cynthia Lett Date: 7/16/2008 Subject: acknowledgement
Question Recently, when I arrived right before dessert to a casual business dinner for my husband's work seating about 30 people within 2 rooms at his boss's house, my husband did not get up from his chair to acknowledge me.
This bothered me, I later (discretely)told him that he should have gotten up from his chair, maybe kissed me on the cheek since he has not seen me all day (14 hours) and escorted me to a seat and perhaps sat down next to me.
Granted I knew about 30% of the people there, but he should have made an effort of acknowledgement. Instead I sat down to an empty chair and noticed my husband about 2 people down. He saw sit down, I tried making eye contact with him, but he did not notice. In fact before I left the dinner party, since we drove seperate, I received many hugs, kisses and hand shakes from his business associates and friends.
My husband thinks that I am making this all up according to my our manner rules.
Answer Dear Mary:
A spouse who attends a business function with the employee is considered part of a whole entity. While it is not proper to seat you together at the table (for better conversation flow), your husband should have greeted you and introduced you to the people you were seated next to before sitting down. Be sure that others there noticed as you did and the impression left with them was not positive.
