E2 Using the Power of Ethics and Etiquette in American Business [Hardcover]

Phyllis Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2003

In its five main sections this book covers important etiquette topics in America, including listening skills, making a positive impression, dealing with allies and enemies, technology etiquette, presentation skills and political skills.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Davis, founder of the American Business Etiquette Trainers Association, offers pointers on cubicle behavior and more in this guide to protocol in corporate America. Her commonsense, sometimes old-fashioned advice covers office etiquette from gift giving to power dressing. For example, she advises bosses to spend $25 to $50 on gifts to administrative assistants, depending on how long they've worked together. What's more, she says it's okay to give an assistant cash, as long as a personal note accompanies it. However, aspiring executives planning to give a gift to a senior manager should expect to spend $50 or more (cash is not advised). On the subject of business casual, Davis advises women to be less casual than men (the fabric and color of khaki are not flattering to a woman's figure unless she is blonde and thin). Whether discussing interviewing, networking or office party etiquette, Davis advises people throughout to reveal as little as possible about their personal lives while encouraging colleagues and customers to talk about themselves. There's much more advice on etiquette than ethics here (e.g., Davis doesn't explain what to do when offered a bribe or deciding whether or not to cover up mistakes), which may prompt some to wonder if Davis added ethics to the subtitle as an afterthought following the corporate accounting scandals. Her constant call for self-restraint may make this book more useful for those working in conservative legal and finance firms, rather than, say, the entertainment industries, entrepreneurial startups or even Microsoft where women are known to wear khaki.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A 'must-read' ... practical advice for anyone who works with people ... creates goodwill for success in every kind of business. -- Rear Admiral Mack C. Gaston, U.S. Navy

Not since Dale Carnegie has there been a person with the ability to affect so many people. -- Carl W. Starr Jr., president of aerospace engineering firm TPG Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Entrepreneur Press; 1 edition (May 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891984772
• ISBN-13: 978-1891984778
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,958,896 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A look in the mirror, April 15, 2003

By 

Carl W. Starr (Redondo Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: E2 Using the Power of Ethics and Etiquette in American Business (Hardcover)

The raw basis for E2 is amazing. The premise behind the book compels us to examine ourselves; we must critique!

As I read others' comments it's obvious that this critique is difficult in execution. To understand this better recall the old saying, "The right decisions are usually the hardest". The book is more than good manners and common courtesy, it's a new philosophy.

An interesting thought - "Can you just imagine the world if Phyllis Davis' book was out in the 'general' section instead of just the business section?"

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reviving the Power of Etiquette, April 14, 2003

By 

Betty Till (Belmont, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: E2 Using the Power of Ethics and Etiquette in American Business (Hardcover)

I loved this book! It's a quick, yet thorough read for busy entrepreneurs and anyone needing to brush up on business etiquette. Did I say brush up? How about learning things they never taught us in business school? Phyllis Davis captures the essence of business etiquette for those wanting to increase their visibility, make an impact, and influence others. Because so many businesses have become so casual, it's easy to forget these basic skills. In an economic downturn with fewer job openings and with so many qualified people applying for those jobs, the person with the edge will get the job. This book helps you gain that edge, whether it's in how you introduce your self, to the quality of the e-mail you send, to the approach you use during a meeting.

Surveys on what makes leaders successful continually point to effective communication and listening skills. This book gives a four-step formula for Active Listening that I am sharing with all my clients. I particularly like the format of the book, i.e. discussion, checklists, case studies, and chapter summaries. E-2 should be a handy reference for any employee and can be particularly beneficial to business development and sales and marketing individuals.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars E2, April 11, 2003

By 

Leila Lee (Chicago, Illinois USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: E2 Using the Power of Ethics and Etiquette in American Business (Hardcover)

This book is just incredible in all areas touched upon! Easy reading because it's written in simple layman's verbage. Ms. Davis is able to grasp and share her views with her readers. Great reference book to keep on hand and review! I certainly recommend the purchase of E2, to all of my friends and peers. In fact I have already decided to purchase 3 more for gifts!
Phyllis Davis tells it as it is, and I look forward to her next book..........BRAVO!