WFWP would like to congratulate Ms. Donna Paige Riley, a HerStory Awardee, for the launch of her new book “What is Business Etiquette Anyway? Key Strategies for Building Successful Working Relationships.”
Ms. Donna’s vision is to make the world a polite place to live. It can’t be a polite world without peace! Donna has interviewed Dr. Angelika Selle twice on her "What Is Etiquette Anyway the Talk Show," because she wanted everyone to know about WFWP; an organization working for peace through actions.

Click here to register for the Virtual Book Launch of “What is “Business Etiquette Anyway?” on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 12 Noon and 7pm EST.

Ms. Donna graciously sat for an interview to answer questions about her new book. Answers have been edited for the sake of brevity and clarity.

What motivated you to write the book “What is Business Etiquette Anyway?”

When I worked in corporate America, I saw how people interacted in ways that caused tension and conflict. I would see supervisors and managers downplaying and degrading some of the employees which is not good for morale. One third of our time is working with people we have to interact with. Why not have those interactions be more comfortable, confident, peaceful and kind?

I often acted as the peacekeeper between employees and supervisors and decided to write this book from personal experiences and from my research talking with human resource professionals.

2. Please explain how you got into this area of expertise.

I grew up being bullied and with low self esteem. It was so bad that I would cry if a teacher called on me and then get teased by my classmates later on. I was bullied all through elementary school, middle and even high school.

Because of this experience, I have worked with children to teach self-esteem building concepts, and to teach kids not to be bullies. I also teach parenting workshops to help parents identify if their children are bullies, and how to reverse those behaviors.

I have also observed and experienced bullying in the workplace. It may not be titled “bullying,” but anytime someone uses their power over someone as a weapon, and not as a tool in the workplace, it’s corporate bullying.

3. What do you see as one of the challenges in today’s business culture?

Effective communication! Especially how people give criticism and receive it. People tend to receive criticism by being defensive and feeling disrespected (which comes from a place of insecurity) and creates a negative spirit between supervisors and employees.

Praise in public and reprimand in private and to make sure that criticism is kind, constructive, and builds up instead of tearing down. This takes practice, but learning to give criticism in a kind and positive manner increases the chances that it will be well received. I plan to expand on this concept in an upcoming book.

4. Which section of the book do you feel is most important and why?

Chapter 6; "Who has time to be courteous?" is one of my favorite chapters. The use of common courtesies should certainly be used every day in general.

Also, Chapter 12; “Are work ethics and integrity for everyone?” People should take responsibility for how they act and react by being honest with themselves, and men and women of their word; allowing us to be our best selves by meaning what we say, doing what we say, and being considerate.

“People will judge us not for our intentions but our actions.”

We need to be intentional about what we do and how we act. Be Honest, Kind, and Respectful.

5. What is your experience with WFWP and HerStory award?

I was introduced to WFWP by Sabine Kouassi at the DFW airport. I was amazed and couldn’t believe I had not heard of WFWP before. When I was nominated for the HerStory award, I was humbled and honored. The award made me more intentional about moving forward to spread peace. It can’t be a polite world without peace!

6. Final words of advice?

My vision is to make the world a polite place to live.

The more people are considerate of each other; the less room there is for selfishness.

Feel good about yourself
Be considerate of others
Be the best you can be

I like to tell people that first we need to feel good about ourselves. Based on that we can be considerate of others. If we can feel good about ourselves and be considerate of others then we can develop to be at our best.

Other current books by Donna Paige Riley

My Forever Affirmations book and journal, Positive thoughts for all ages (published Dec 28, 2021)

Kindness is Contagious Journal (Published March 2022)

Donna Paige Riley also published her books under her company https://www.courteouspublications.com/, established to help new or prospective authors write books. The message must be positive, peaceful, kind or/and encouraging.

Donna’s Blog Talk Radio https://www.blogtalkradio.com/etiquette-lady

Donna’s Websites: https://www.msdonnaspeaks.com/

https://www.paigesetiquette.com

Interviews with Dr. Angelika Selle

Interview on “What’s Your Dream” (Video interview)

Interview on “Women as Peace Leaders” (Audio interview)