Etiquestions

ETIQUESTIONS

Dr. Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa

I love to wear hats! However, I never know when I should take my hat off or when I can leave it on. What are the etiquette rules for hats?

Hats used to be an essential article of clothing for protection, but now they are a great accessory for both men and women. The following is a list of when hats can be left on and a list of when to take off hats (including baseball caps). One interesting note—women are entirely exempt from “hat rules.” When hats can be left on:

Outdoors At athletic events (indoors or out) On public transportation In public buildings such as post offices, airports, etc. On elevators Take hats, including baseball caps, off: In someone’s home At mealtimes, at the table While being introduced, indoors or out In a house of worship, unless head covering is required Indoors at work, especially in an office (unless required for the job) In restaurants and coffee shops At a movie or indoor performance When the national anthem is played When the flag of the United States passes by

We are starting a new year, and I want to work on some etiquette rules for myself. What are the top five rules you would recommend for the new year?

What a great idea! We should all pick a few etiquette rules to work on in the new year. The following are my top five picks: Be on time - punctuality is very important and shows a respect for other people’s time Use “please” and “thank you” more often as it shows appreciation and politeness Be prepared - again, it is about respecting others Dress appropriately - this awareness can save embarrassment and keep the focus on the event or activity Be a 24/7 professional - your actions outside of work can affect you and your organization

Now that the holidays are over, do you recommend sending old-fashioned thank you cards?

Old-fashioned thank you cards are never a bad idea. A handwritten thank you on nice stationary goes a long way as it indicates you took some time to make sure the recipient knows you are thankful. It also sets you apart in a world of emails and text messages. Go for it! Send an “old-fashioned” thank you card today.

Barbara Baggerly-Hinojosa, Ph.D. is a wife, mother, and educator living in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University with a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. In addition, she holds an Associate of Arts degree in Education from McLennan Community College, Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas – Pan American, and a Master of Arts in Educational Supervision from the University of Texas – Pan American. Dr. Baggerly-Hinojosa’s current research is focused on servant leadership, gender issues in leadership, and leadership communication. www.leadershipempowermentgroup.com