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By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Etiquette and Leadership Trainer and Coach 💡 Bullying affects 1 in 5 students. Learn key facts and how we can all make a difference.
Coming up on September 21 is the International Day of Peace. I am deeply committed to anti-bullying advocacy. This month is the perfect time to reflect on kindness, respect, and empathy, and to confront issues that threaten peace in schools, workplaces, and communities. I know the impact of bullying personally. I was bullied from elementary through high school. For a long time, I carried that pain in silence. I thank God I made it through. Bullying can have serious consequences for youth, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Last week, I had the honor of speaking on a Universal Peace broadcast about “Stopping the Violence: Bullying and Character.” I’m sharing a flyer from my recent Universal Peace Broadcast appearance. Here are some key facts: ✅ About 1 in 5 students report being bullied at school (NCES) ✅ Verbal and social bullying, like name-calling, rumors, and exclusion, are among the most common forms and can be just as harmful as physical bullying (StopBullying.gov) ✅ Bullying can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth (CDC) ✅ When bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time (StopBullying.gov) Bullying is not just a playground problem. Its effects can follow individuals into adulthood, workplaces, and leadership roles. I am committed to raising awareness, modeling respect, and supporting children, teens, and adults who may be struggling. 💬 I want to hear from you: Have you or someone you know experienced bullying? What helped you overcome it, and what support made the difference? Sharing your story could help someone else feel less alone. hashtag#InternationalDayOfPeace hashtag#StopBullying hashtag#MentalHealthAwareness hashtag#KindnessMatters hashtag#YouthAdvocacy hashtag#PeaceBeginsWithUs hashtag#CharacterEducation
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By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Etiquette and Leadership Trainer and Coach In my last post, I spoke about bullying among students. I also mentioned how it can follow us from the classroom to the boardroom.
Since then, two women reached out to me asking, “What does bullying in the workplace really look like?” and shared their own painful experiences. One told me about being sexually harassed. When she reported it, she was dismissed because the man had been with the company for 30 years and “no one else had complained.” Another described being deliberately overloaded with work at the end of the day and threatened that everything had to be turned in before she could leave. She said the tasks could have been assigned earlier, but this daily habit feels intentional and punishing. Both stories are examples of workplace bullying. It does not always look the same. Sometimes it is harassment. Sometimes it is intimidation. Sometimes it is manipulation of time and workload. But the impact is always the same. It harms, it silences, and it pushes good employees out. I know this, because I have also experienced sexual harassment and other types of corporate bullying in the workplace. That is why, through my Grace, Etiquette & Success™: Navigating Workplace Dynamics coaching program and workshops, I not only teach strategies for handling difficult situations, I also share my own personal story, so others know they are not alone. 💡 For those who have been in similar situations, how did you find the courage to address it? What advice would you share with someone trying to speak up now? hashtag#WorkplaceBullying hashtag#BullyingAwareness hashtag#LeadershipMatters hashtag#WorkplaceWellness hashtag#HR by Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Etiquette and Leadership Trainer and Coach When I first began my journey, I was that shy girl in the back of the room, unsure of my place. I never imagined I would one day be standing at the front, training leaders, executives, and students to carry themselves with confidence and grace.
What I discovered along the way is that etiquette isn’t about perfection or rigid rules. It’s about presence. It’s about showing respect to others while honoring yourself. As a leadership and etiquette coach, I’ve seen again and again that the smallest habits make the biggest difference: ✅ Listening with full attention, because people know when they’re truly heard. ✅ Walking into a room with posture and grace. Before you even speak, your body introduces you. ✅ Choosing words that uplift, not diminish, because leaders set the tone. These are not just manners. They are leadership tools. Leaders who embody confidence, character, and class inspire trust, invite collaboration, and leave lasting impressions. 💡 Here are two quick things you can try this week:
👉 What’s one action you take to show confidence in your daily interactions? #Leadership #Etiquette #Communication #ProfessionalPresence By Donna Paige Riley As a Certified Leadership, Communication, and Etiquette Consultant, I see every day how powerful professional etiquette can be in shaping careers and workplace culture.
Business etiquette isn’t just about knowing which fork to use at a formal dinner. It is the foundation of how we interact with others in the workplace. Practicing professional etiquette daily builds respect, strengthens communication, and creates an environment where trust can grow. Here’s why it matters: -It shows respect for colleagues, clients, and partners. -It helps prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication. -It demonstrates professionalism and leadership. -It enhances your personal brand and the reputation of your organization. Business etiquette is not about rigid rules. It is about showing consideration, confidence, and courtesy in every interaction. When used consistently, it becomes a powerful tool for building relationships and advancing careers. How do you practice business etiquette in your daily work? hashtag#Leadership hashtag#ProfessionalDevelopment hashtag#Communication hashtag#BusinessEtiquette hashtag#CareerGrowth Activate to view larger image, By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher Have you ever noticed how two people with the same skills can be remembered very differently?
As a Certified Leadership, Communication, and Etiquette Consultant, I often remind professionals that etiquette is not just about which fork to use. It is about how you show up. In every workplace (corporate, nonprofit, education, or entrepreneurship), etiquette sets the standard for how we treat others and how we are remembered. ✅ Respecting colleagues’ time ✅ Communicating with clarity and professionalism ✅ Building trust through consistency and courtesy ✅ Navigating workplace dynamics with confidence I have seen firsthand how teams with strong etiquette build stronger relationships, attract opportunities, and foster a culture of respect. The truth is: your skills may qualify you for the role, but your etiquette determines how far you go in it. I would love to hear from you. What is one etiquette habit you believe makes the biggest difference in the workplace? hashtag#BusinessEtiquette hashtag#LeadershipSkills hashtag#ProfessionalDevelopment hashtag#WorkplaceSuccess hashtag#EtiquetteConsultant Activate to view larger image, By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher Many times, in the workplace or personal life, kindness is misunderstood.
Some assume that a calm demeanor means you lack conviction. That being accommodating means you lack boundaries. That showing grace means you won’t speak up for yourself. But the truth is — it takes far more strength to be kind than it does to be cruel. Kindness is not the absence of power — it's the choice to use that power thoughtfully. It’s the strength to stay composed under pressure, to choose integrity over ego, and to uplift others even when you’re being overlooked or underestimated. Being kind doesn’t mean you're naive, unaware, or weak. It means you are intentional. It means you understand the power of respect, the value of people, and the lasting impact of leading with emotional intelligence. So, the next time someone mistakes your kindness for weakness — let your quiet confidence speak for itself. Kindness is strength, refined. #Leadership #EmotionalIntelligence #WorkplaceWisdom #KindnessIsStrength #GraceInLeadership #BoundariesAndBalance By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher Kindness thought of the day… July is Disability Pride Month 💙♿
This month, we pause to celebrate and honor the strength, contributions, and voices of those living with disabilities. But kindness is more than awareness — it’s action. As able-bodied individuals, we can stand with the disability community by: ✅ Respecting disability-accessible parking spaces ✅ Leaving wheelchair entrances and door buttons for those who need them ✅ Advocating for ramps and accessibility in public spaces ✅ Listening, learning, and speaking up for inclusion Too many buildings are still not fully accessible, and many in our community face daily obstacles most of us never notice. But together, we can help change that. Let’s ban together to create a neighborhood that’s welcoming to all — where inclusion isn’t just a word, it’s a shared value. 🧡 Be patient. 🧡 Hold the door. 🧡 Ask how you can help. 🧡 Use your voice to promote access and equity. Kindness is doing what you can with what you have — and it starts right here in our own community. Please share your thoughts in the comments. Andres says, “This world needs to be accessible to everybody.” When is the last time you initiated an act of kindness, and when is the last time you were the recipient of a kind deed? By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher
We live in a world where we can message someone across the globe in seconds, yet too often, we struggle to make eye contact across the table. Technology connects us. However, it cannot replace the power of presence. In-person communication — how we listen, speak, carry ourselves, and show respect — remains one of the most vital tools for success in both personal and professional life. The following skills may seem “old school,” but they are truly timeless: • A warm handshake • A confident introduction • The ability to read the room As we scroll, swipe, and Zoom through life, let’s not forget how to look up, speak clearly, and engage with others face-to-face. Whether you're leading a team, interviewing for a job, or meeting someone for the first time, remember to be present in their presence. Maya Angelou said it best: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Let’s continue to nurture real human connection. Our screens may be smart. But it’s our social skills that truly make the difference. hashtag#DigitalEtiquette hashtag#CommunicationMatters hashtag#LeadershipPresence hashtag#HumanConnection hashtag#SoftSkills hashtag#BePresent By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher
In every organization, classroom, boardroom, or community, one truth remains constant: leadership matters. It sets the tone, shapes the culture, and ultimately determines the direction and success of a group. Leadership isn't just about holding a title—it's about influence, integrity, and impact. True leaders listen, inspire, and guide others toward a common goal. They lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence. At its core, leadership is a skill that can be developed. It begins with self-awareness and grows with practice, feedback, and a commitment to continuous learning. Whether you're a student stepping into your first leadership role or a seasoned executive refining your style, the journey is ongoing. When leadership is intentional, organizations thrive. Teams communicate better. Decisions are made with purpose. Conflicts are handled with grace. Morale goes up, and trust becomes the foundation. This is why we teach leadership—and why we believe it's a skill worth mastering at every stage of life. Stay tuned for our next leadership workshop. Let’s build leaders who lead with excellence. By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher
I have—and I’ll never forget it. Years ago, I worked under a CEO who led with fear, not vision. No one was allowed to call her by her first name, although we were all adults. If she had a fight with her husband the night before, someone on the staff might be fired the next day—just to release the tension. It was unpredictable, demoralizing, and harmful. That was only one of many experiences that stayed with me—but it also inspired my mission. I recently led a workshop titled “Grace, Etiquette & Success: Navigating Workplace Dynamics with Confidence.” We explored what healthy leadership looks like, how to communicate with emotional intelligence, and why grace and respect are essential in professional spaces. Toxic workplaces don’t just happen—they’re created by unhealed, untrained, or unaware leaders. And they can be uncreated by intentional leadership training and culture change. I'm committed to helping leaders foster environments where people feel respected, valued, and safe. If you're in leadership—or aspire to be—I’d love to connect and share how this training can help your team thrive. Have you ever worked in a toxic environment? I invite you to share your experience in the comments. Your voice matters—and your story could help someone else feel seen. |
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