This summer, I remember my Dad, as he would have turned 92 in June. My heart aches to see and speak to him. I just want to tell him what a wonderful Dad he was and how valuable the lessons he taught me still help me today. He passed away in 2018, the same year I founded The Dallas School of Etiquette (then The Georgia School of Etiquette). Since then, I’ve obtained International Certifications in Etiquette as well as Certifications here in the United States. I also have had more than 600 students, ages 5 to 70. As I continue to learn more about different cultures to teach business etiquette, I go back to my roots from Quince Lamar Burton.
A Business Etiquette Role Model
The story goes like this…Quince was from Robinson, Georgia. As a boy, he was taught to speak to everyone at church. Later, he became the chairman of the board of deacons at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia, where he was also the head usher. If you ever visited Tabernacle Baptist Church, you would find him at the door shaking hands with every member and finding out information from all visitors. He would take the names of visitors and later would go and visit them.
As a child, teenager and young college student, I was encouraged to stand at the door and greet all who exited the church. Today, we would call this making connections. This was my job as well as his job. I later found that I had a love and desire for public speaking because meeting and greeting was in my soul. What joy I learned to receive as a young person when I reached out to meet, greet and say “hello”. I was and am joyous to this day when I meet and greet others.
My Dad never took my business etiquette course, where I teach the “3 R’s” of business etiquette…Recognition, Respect and Response. Dad recognized everyone and, most certainly, respected all. You could count on him to give a follow up call. As a County School Board Member, he returned all calls and oftentimes would go and meet with parents who had concerns. These behaviors molded my love for people and who I am today.
Of course, what made Dad the “real deal” was that he was a Godly man. When he passed away, my Mother received a note from some of his co-workers in the 70s who stated that he was the most moral man they had ever known. What a treasure for a daughter to read after the death of her father. He left behind treasures. Treasures that will be rewarded in heaven. Treasures of connection that he will be united with in years to come.
Looking for Dallas Workplace or Business Etiquette Training?
So, this summer, I thought it would be appropriate to give recognition to my real business etiquette trainer, my Dad, Quince L. Burton. Truly, etiquette begins in the home.
Lisa Burdette is a Dallas business etiquette expert with training from London, Paris and from The Washington School of Protocol here in the United States. Lisa excels at working with corporate groups to ensure that employees can better succeed in the workplace.
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