Scorpion Chapter Fraters Learn Importance of Etiquette

Everyone knows that, when you are eating soup, slurping from the spoon is a universal no-no, a textbook faux pas that will garner you some undesired attention at the dinner table. But what is the protocol for passing the salt and pepper? And what should you order when you are wining and dining a potential client? These are some thorny issues, and, according to Robert A. Shutt, an expert in Business Dining Etiquette, your reckless disregard for them could make for an embarrassing moment, sink that big deal or even cost you that promotion you have coveted with a Commandment-breaking zeal.

But as luck would have it for the members of the Scorpion Chapter of TKE and four other Greek-lettered societies at Cornell University, Robert A. Shutt paid a visit to campus to instruct these prospective members of the workforce in the simple, but too often neglected, rule of etiquette that govern business dining situations. The event was sponsored by the Creating Chapters of Excellence Program, a partnership of students, faculty, alumni and staff charged with carrying out the mission of bringing greater depth, purpose and value to Cornell's fraternity and sorority system.

At 6 p.m., roughly one hundred curious members of the Greek community began filing into the Oaks, the mansion of Phi Gamma Delta sitting atop West Campus' McGraw Place. Many students welcomed the opportunity as a nice change of pace from their daily Cornell grind. Those in attendance were very receptive to Mr. Shutt's message.

Just what is Mr. Shutt's message? "Manners matter and courtesy counts," period. By obeying the simple and easily learned rules of etiquette, you can further your career, land that new job, strike that lucrative deal, increase your sales or secure that promotion. Business is so often transacted over the dinner table, as he explained, that we cannot be content with just minding the P's and Q's of the corporate boardroom.

Mr. Shutt's presentation was a hands-on simulation of a business dining experience. Participants were treated to a cocktail hour, full-course meal and dessert, all the while Mr. Shutt lectured, often very amusingly, about how to negotiate the table setting, how to use the napkin and how to butter bread with a style and finesse sure to leave a lasting impression on all eyes which just might look your way. Satisfied listeners learned that up to 85 percent of what you communicate to someone is non-verbal, so how you conduct yourself in a business dining atmosphere is a matter not to be taken lightly if you want "to shine through."

Participants listened intently throughout the evening, many taking home a newfound appreciation of some of the finer points of etiquette. Chip Godfrey '08, who played a behind-the-scenes role in organizing the event, thought Mr. Shutt's advice was very sound and even insightful. Godfrey elaborated, "Who really thinks about the consequences of holding a wine glass by the bowl? By forgetting to hold the glass by the stem, the condensation which gets on your hand really does make for a pretty awkward handshake."

Students were enlightened to a whole slew of practical observations like this one, and many felt they were all the better for it. Rebecca Sotsky '07 was pleasantly surprised to find out that asparagus could be eaten with your hands. "If I was ever in an interview setting where asparagus was served, I would know how to handle the situation." Bryan Foster '07 concluded that "the night was really worth it for me. You have to be at least somewhat conscious of etiquette if you really want to make your way after college."

Creating Chapters of Excellence Program (CCE) was started in 2001 with seven chapters. Over the past five years, the program has more than doubled in size, reaching seventeen chapters across all three Greek councils. CCE is a chapter-based model that guides individual chapters in reaching their full potential as self-governed, mission-driven organizations. The five primary components of the Creating Chapter of Excellence model include mentoring, leadership training and support, chapter programming and services, facility management and building community. Each year CCE sponsors over forty educational programs.

Creating Chapters of Excellence and Cornell University are long-standing clients of Mr. Shutt. He began his public speaking career in 1997 and previously served as an assistant professor, training and development specialist and university administrator. He has a long list of prestigious clients, including Lockheed Martin, General Electric and countless more companies, colleges and universities, and professional and business organizations. His etiquette presentations have been sought out many times over to enhance career development and personal growth, and his expertise in these matters has been featured on the CBS Evening News.

Adapted from The Cornell Daily Sun, Author Richard Getzel. If you would like to see your chapter news here, contact Communications Coordinator Tom McAninch.