Etiquette Lessons from Kayne West at the VMA Awards

Articles, Make Your Best Impression Blog, News & Testimonials, Press Room / Media   ·   September 16, 2009

“When the President calls you something unflattering, you know you have crossed the line. What are the etiquette lessons we can learn?”

(September 16, 2009-Birmingham, AL)… “It doesn’t take money to have class.” What are the etiquette lessons we can learn from such a terrible incident.  Interestingly enough, we have seen examples of both things to do and not to do. Unfortunately Kayne West in his moment of misjudgment made a decision that will forever live in the minds and hearts of millions of people. We have also seen in both the responses from Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles how to handle a situation with grace and aplomb to make the best out of a bad situation.

First we all make mistakes, but ones like these will have an impact for years to come. Those that did not know Kayne, now know him as someone that is rude, inappropriate and insensitive to others. What does this say about his character? When Jay Leno asked, “What would your Mom think about this situation?” Kayne held is head as if to acknowledge that she would not be pleased.

The perception camera is always rolling regardless if we are on a stage in front of millions of viewers, or having lunch with a colleague. The same rule holds true, it takes 3 to 5 seconds to make a first impression. It also takes years to build a reputation and only 5 seconds to ruin it.

Here are some tips to help process your behavior before there is no turning back. I call it the new

 K.I.S.S. Method- Keep It Simply Savvy.

Ask yourself the following questions to be sure you are following the K.I.S.S. Method to determine if your behavior is having a positive or a negative impact on your personal brand.

•  Does my behavior offend, insult, ignore or interrupt another person?
• Would I consider this behavior rude, awkward, unprofessional, or tacky if I witnessed someone else doing it?
• Have I assessed the situation to have a clear understanding of the possible implications of my actions both personally and professionally?

Dallas Teague Snider, The Impression Engineer is the author of Professionally Polished, Business Etiquette Savvy for Today Competitive Market and the a co- author in the new release Executive Etiquette Power. She is certified by The Protocol School of Washington® to conduct seminars, workshops and key notes for conventions and meetings.  Through her workshops she provides simple solutions to help her attendees erase the barriers that enable them to make their first impression their best impression. 

 www.makeyourbestimpression.com

####