Couple eating dinner in very good restaurantkzenon/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Dear Corporate Governess
After a disastrous social event with my latest millennial hires, I realized they could use a crash course in dining etiquette. What's the best way to approach this?
—Howard R., Toronto
Dear Howard
I'm always surprised by the number of young people who don't know how to cut their meat. They're adults now, so it's time they ate like it. Just go ahead and offer them a course on etiquette—no need to point out their blunders. Make it voluntary but on the company's dime (free dinner!), so the soup slurper from IT signs up without worrying about his student loan.
This isn't just a business skill; this is a life skill. Knowing how to handle cutlery and where to put your napkin are just the start. The course should include how to order, what to wear, picking up the tab, rules for table tweeting (don't) and, key for millennials, making actual conversation with the stranger next to them.
You might be surprised by how many kids will welcome the opportunity to fill this gap in their education. As their parents growing up in the loosey-goosey 1960s and '70s, we neglected table etiquette for more creative pursuits. Plus, we let them eat in the car—and in front of the computer and TV.
Consider making this course part of your onboarding process. It's about more than stickhandling a fish fork; it's about giving new hires confidence in unfamiliar situations.
Dear Corporate Governess
I just got heck from my boss, followed by whining from my team, about a project that wasn't my idea in the first place. Being stuck in the middle is getting me down. Any advice?
—Jake T., Edmonton
Dear Jake
I'm not surprised you're feeling down. After surveying more than 20,000 full-time workers, researchers at Columbia's Mailman School of Public Health recently reported that middle managers are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than those under or above them. So while it would be nice if both sides showed you some love, that's not likely without some action on your part. Take the opportunity to put forward your own ideas, since you're in a position to see both sides. Even better, set up a brainstorming session on how to improve the project. That may help dispel the negativity—plus, you could come up with real solutions.
On a personal level, get outside for a brisk walk or head to the gym. The feel-good endorphins and increased oxygen to your brain will help you cope. Even low levels of exercise are being increasingly recognized as a tool to prevent as well as treat depression—check out the University of Toronto study by Professor Guy Faulkner and PhD candidate George Mammon.
Finally, spend time with someone you like and who likes you back, even if it's your dog. If you don't have a pet, consider getting one. We can all use a little unconditional love.