In honor of last month’s National Protocol Officer Week, PSOW sponsored a “Superhero Moment” contest where entrants were asked how they used their protocol expertise in a particular job or setting. After reviewing entries from around the world, we have selected Olivera Tatalovic as our 2015 winner, receiving a complimentary tuition to a scheduled 2015 Protocol Officer Training program.

Employers plan to hire 8.3 percent more new college graduates from the Class of 2015 for their U.S. operations than they did from the Class of 2014, according to a recent jobs outlook report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

1. I can manage two sets of dining manners – private and public;

This article shows the danger of not taking the time to research local customs. What is remarkable is this was a British Minister who really should have known better.

According to a fall 2014 report from the U.S. Department of Labor, more American workers are on the move than ever before. The report states that 2.8 million people quit their jobs last September—the highest number since April of 2008. In addition, another 1.6 million workers left their jobs due to layoffs and terminations. That means nearly 4.5 million workers were faced with a very important question—what is the best way to leave a job?

According to the 25th annual survey of corporate America’s holiday party plans, 96 percent of U.S. companies will host holiday parties this year, the highest percentage since 1997. Alcohol will be served at 72 percent of holiday parties and nearly a third of employees will behave badly.

Meet Chris Yu, winner of the National Business Etiquette Week contest. Graduation Date: September 30, 2014

According to James Uleman, PhD, a psychology professor at New York University and researcher on impression management, “In spite of the congeniality of many professional gatherings, judgments are being made and impressions formed at all times.”

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY FIVE September 30, 2014 Today I graduated from The Protocol School of Washington’s Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant course!

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY FOUR September 29, 2014 Today I attended SpeakersTrainingCamp taught by Sue Gaulke. Sue really embodies what she teaches: engaging, effective public speaking. We learned that there are different times throughout the day when we present ourselves to others, for example when leading a meeting, conducting training and in everyday informal situations. We learned that audiences prefer enthusiasm and passion in a speaker and they dislike a monotone voice.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY THREE September 28, 2014 Today I learned to Dine Like a Diplomat. Our tutorial luncheon featured a six-course meal including a soup, fish, sorbet, meat, salad, toasting, dessert, and then finger bowl, each with accompanying beverages. The food was delicious and beautifully plated and served. This was my first experience with a finger bowl, and what I discovered is that once you know how to use a finger bowl, they are really not intimidating.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY TWO September 27, 2014 As we attend more classes together and cover more material, we become more relaxed and you can really see our group’s personalities emerging. I am feeling comfortable and challenged here. The photos above show me with our two instructors for class today, with Pamela Eyring on the left and with Leah Hawthorn on the right.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: DAY ONE September 26, 2014 Today was my first full day at The Protocol School of Washington, and we learned How to Succeed in the International Arena, taught by Robert Hickey. Mr. Hickey was kind enough to pose for a photo with me during one of our breaks. He is a very engaging teacher and I greatly enjoyed our class today.

THE PROTOCOL SCHOOL OF WASHINGTON: OPENING NIGHT September 25, 2014 Today was opening night of the Protocol School of Washington’s “Train to be a Corporate Etiquette and International Protocol Consultant” course which I am attending in McLean, VA.

IMAGINE IF you could sit across the table from your boss, or a potential client, and know what they’re thinking without them saying a word. It turns out, that reality is not as far-fetched an idea as you might think.

According to a 2013 Society of Human Resources Management article, telecommuting rose 73 percent between 2005 and 2012. It's now estimated that 64 million U.S. employees - almost 50 percent of the workforce - have jobs compatible with telecommuting.

Meet Praveeni Perera - Graduation Date: October 2013  Why did you initially come to PSOW? I wanted to upgrade my skills and knowledge in the area of international protocol.

Meet Patricia Butera - Graduation Date: April 2014 Why did you initially come to PSOW? I came to PSOW to attain my certification as an etiquette and international protocol consultant. I spent approximately 18 months researching the best schools around the globe that offer this type of program. The curriculum offered by PSOW is quite unique - Not to mention the trainers! I was truly inspired by the experience.

Meet Sheryl Miller - Graduation Date: March 2012 Why did you initially come to PSOW?  Attending the Protocol School of Washington was on my ‘to do list’ from the early 1990s as I observed a gradual decline of civility occurring in the work environment. I recognized social skills as the cornerstone of success and it became a lifelong dream to establish my own company, to bring this specialist training to individuals and businesses. Based on research conducted, I discovered that The Protocol School of Washington was the global leader in the industry and offered the high level of training and certification that I needed to realize my dream. Today, I am very glad that I made that choice.

Meet Zhenya Pankratieva - Graduation Date: April 2014 Why did you initially come to PSOW? To help international companies to work on different markets and appreciate the different cultures