When I first began to advocate the importance for African American Girls to have access to fun and engaging etiquette classes many parents, teachers and adults were very supportive. Some were frustrated by rude or disrespectful social behavior they had observed in their daughters and grand-daughters or simply desired the young ladies in their lives to develop enhanced esteem, poise, table and telephone manners and were by how to teach kindness, responsibility, thoughfulness in a sometimes rude and violent world.
As a mother and mentor of young ladies I understood their frustrations and concerns, however while important - the major reason for my pushing the etiquette envelop was my professional Corporate experience with a Big 4 Global Human Resource Consulting firm. It was my observation that social skills, or lack there of could impact the earning potential or career opportunities of people of color. Not only do interviewers evaluate professional experience, technical competencies and knowledge, but close attention is also paid to "soft skills" such as social presentation skills, communication expertise and demeanor. Many times when final hiring decisions are made, soft skill assessments or lack there of were the deal breakers.
This observation caused me to aske the question:
Yes! Three separate studies conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and the Stanford Research Institute agree that "Success in getting, keeping, and advancing in a job depends 85% on people skills and only 15% on technical skills." So proper social skills including courtesy and respect may be the bottom line in determining a profitable future.
With the realization that etiquette skills were not just only warm and fuzzy "niceties" but were critical life skills I developed the Girls Rule! Etiquette Imperative, an etiquette workshop which was designed for African American girls ages 7-14. This program provides an organized opportunity for discussion of the rules of etiquette in age appropriate fun and engaging manner. Access to these esteem building, critical life skills help girls to successfully navigate social situations, enhance their communication skills and serve them well as they transition in to womanhood. Many girls have completed the etiquette program received their certificates. Their mothers were pleasantly surprised by how fully their daughters embraced the lessons taught and their lasting impact on behavior, family relationships, friendships, esteem and success in school.
Actions really do speak louder than words. As parents and adults who nurture children, let's work together to ensure that they have all of the tools required to live successful, empowered, happy lives. Etiquette certainly is a piece of that puzzle.
Ladon Brumfield
Executive Director
Girls Rule!
http://www.girlz-rule.org/
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