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About Lyla Grandstaff
Lyla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Fairmont State University and is completing her Master's Degree in Corporate and Organizational Communications from West Virginia University. She also earned her certification in Business, Social and Children's Etiquette from the Etiquette Institute of St. Louis, Mo.
She is a lifetime member of the Etiquette Institute and a member of Toastmasters International.
Lyla is active in her community, serving as an advisory member for the Salvation Army of Marion County; a member of the Design Committee for Main Street Fairmont; and as a member of the Marketing and Communications Committee of the Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia.
About Elements of Etiquette
"You never get a second chance to make a first impression."
-- attributed to Oscar Wilde
Elements of Etiquette is the brainchild of Lyla Grandstaff, a Certified Etiquette Consultant who knows the importance of making a good first impression. In her role as Director of Off-Campus Programs-North for Pierpont Community and Technical College, Lyla interacts daily with students, job-seekers, members of the work force pursuing advancement and others in the general public. Over time, she has observed society's gradual disregard for the rules of etiquette, protocol, ethics and decorum – rules that if followed, can make us successful and help people stand out from the crowd.
Lyla likes to say that "manners will open
doors that education
and money cannot."
From relaxed dress codes, tattoos and piercings, "me-first" attitudes and a growing trend in social networking misconduct, to a general lack of social and job-related skills, Lyla has seen cracks begin to appear in the fabric of acceptable professional behavior.
"Businesses are finding out that people don't know how to act in a professional environment," Lyla says. "Many people seem to be lacking in etiquette and basic social skills and they don't understand protocol. They seem to believe that knowing how to act on a job interview, in a professional setting or just out in the general public makes you 'uppity' or some kind of 'stuffed shirt,' as they say.
"A person with manners outshines other applicants
for jobs, as well as
individuals who are
already in the work force,"
she says.
Lyla likes to say that "manners will open doors that education and money cannot." To her, etiquette means more than using the right fork at a business luncheon. It means knowing how to dress, how to speak, how to act and how to conduct yourself in today's highly-competitive business world.
"A person with manners outshines other applicants for jobs, as well as individuals who are already in the work force," she says. "It doesn't take that much more to be exceptional, and we want to show people ways to get to that level."
Testimonials
"Since your seminar I have been ablaze! I had no idea that fear of failure was arresting my personal growth! No one who knows me would ever think I was fearful. But what I realized was that I have wider comfort zones than some people. If I think of stepping outside of MY comfort zones: Proposing a daring project to the local women's shelter, trying to publish a book, motivational speaking – then there is fear, especially fear of failure, of people not liking me or ridiculing me. So now I know I DO have to step out in unique ways to find personal satisfaction and success." - Ginger M.
"Doing something in a group is very affirming. You see you're not the only one with these issues. It was a very powerful workshop for me." - Lisa
"It was a great group of strong, independent, professional women with the same goals in mind. It was emotional for me at times, but I knew it would be, and that's ok. I need to be uncomfortable and face my demons head on in order to make the necessary changes improve this part of my life. Thank you for helping guide me towards a life of financial freedom!"
– Dr. Christine Cosgrove, Chicago, IL
What other women have said about the workshop:
"Wow. Underearning is a conscious choice I can change. This is a huge insight for me."
"Believe. Focus. Take Action. That's what this is about."
"I learned that I have the tools I need and I got solid information – a brick-by-brick "how to."
"Rich in women's psychology which is critical to discussion of money."
"Motivating, energizing, eye-opening."
"Freeing, inspiring and challenging."