Jodi R. R. Smith

May is upon us, and with Mother's Day quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to reflect on how our mothers -- and other mentoring figures -- have helped shape our lives. Oftentimes, mothers serve as our first true mentors. They teach us how to make our way in the...

I am having such fun watching the PBS series Downton Abbey. While I do long for a more civilized age, I do not envision the quick return of corsets and calling-cards. It would be so lovely if we could all brush up on our behaviors as easily as Lord Grantham's...

So here we are, at the end of January 2012. How are your resolutions going? Are you still working out? Have you lost weight? No longer smoking? Eating healthier? Experts agree that many New Year's resolutions are doomed for failure and have been long abandoned by the end of January....

The fall semester has begun and I, along with thousands of students, professors and administrators across the country, have returned to campus. As syllabi are studied and college classes begin from coast to coast, college, university and graduate students alike should know that social savvy and personal polish begin on...

It was around this time of year, almost 20 years ago, when I first learned that managers are human too.

I was fresh out of college and all of my management theory coursework stated that the boss was hardworking and fair. The boss was a mentor and a motivator. The...

Every new year brings a bombardment of "New Year, New You" commercials, advertisements and deals. For a low, low price, you too can change your mind, body and spirit and have the life you've longed for.

Whether or not you actually believe the hype is, of course, up to you.

September means back to school for many families, but for those of you in the working world I have a quick quiz. Think fast, True or False:

_____ Working hard and doing your job are the best ways to get ahead.

In our Mannersmith Professional...

With Mr. Steven Slater's Hollywood exit from the JetBlue flight, we at Mannersmith thought it might be time to remind gentlepeople everywhere there is a right way and a rude way to leave one's job. After all, it is rare nowadays to hear about anyone retiring after working a whole...

They say you never forget your first time.

My first job requisition posting as a brand new human resources representative was back in the days when newspapers ran the listing in the Help Wanted section. From a 3 day ad, I received over 250 responses. There were the easy "no"...

Thousands of runners and their fans have descended upon Boston for this, the 114th running of the Boston Marathon. While I will not be donning my sneakers today in Hopkinton, I do find inspiration in the race. After all, no one wakes up one morning and decides, "Hey, I think...

With Valentine's Day just days away, I have been fielding questions left and right about dating. While I do not have the magic formula for finding the love of your life, I do have ten tips to get you started.

Be Open ~ if you are out of school,...

This month's Mannersmith Monthly was written by our office fitness fanatic, Mannersmith Consultant, Marianne Cohen.

January is here and the start of the year comes those well intentioned New Years Resolutions. As a self-proclaimed gym rat, I find it fascinating to watch others at the gym, especially in January. Of...

The first two arrived after Thanksgiving. Nestled in with the catalogues were two promising looking envelopes. I could hardly wait! Setting aside the stack of junk mail, I made myself a cup of mint tea and sat down to read the early batch of holiday letters. I can almost hear...

From hardcopy headlines to top stories on internet news sites, we are inundated with swine flu warnings. H1N1 has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives. Even with the vaccine hitting our healthcare providers' offices, the guidelines of who-should-be-vaccinated-when are shifting. With schools in session, offices staffed and upcoming meetings...

The title may tease, but the current outbreak of Swine Flu is no laughing matter. Close to 300 schools across the country have closed, vacationers and business travelers alike have curtailed their movements, and colleges are forgoing the congratulatory handshake during diploma ceremonies. Where does that leave those of...

Did you know...The average business never hears from 96% of unhappy customers. For every complaint received there are in fact 26 customers with problems, 6 of which are considered serious. An average customer with a problem tells 9-10 others, 13% tell 20 or more. - Bruce L. Katcher, Ph.D.
...

The work smarter not harder philosophy brought to life...

Happy New Year to all! To help you succeed for another year, during January take the time to pause, reflect and refocus. After all, we know it is easy to keep busy. Yet one can be perpetually busy without accomplishing anything....

The economic news lately has not been good. And if you are like most Americans, the effects of the economy have been hitting closer and closer to home. Within the past week, a handful of people I know well have been laid off from their jobs. We have heard about...

Whoever said "getting there is half the fun" never traveled during the holiday season... especially in a post 9/11 world. Travel has become more tedious and more tenuous. While traveling over the past few months, I have had my toothbrush case opened and toothbrush carefully inspected. As if I would...

The headlines loom large. Circuit City, Starbucks, General Motors...many of the country's employers, large and small, are steadying themselves by laying off workers. And truth be told, it is rare nowadays to hear about anyone retiring after working a whole career for just one company. Whether you are...