Business Sense and Sensibility: Taking a Cue From the French

You may be familiar with French author Mireille Guiliano’s series of books sharing the sensibilities of French women on everything from food to facelifts. If you’re not, do yourself a favor and check them out.  I just picked up Women, Work, & the Art of Savoir Faire, Guiliano’s enlightening book on career, for the second time and I highly recommend it.

French-born Guiliano is the former CEO of champagne-maker, Clicquot, Inc., so she brings great insight and experience to this charming and inspiring ‘How-To’ book. From work-life balance to developing a personal brand, Women, Work, & the Art of Savoir Faire is filled with savvy tips to help women get the most out of their professional lives.  Here are some highlights to get you thinking about your own career sensibilities:

Find something you’re passionate about. Guiliano says, “If you’re playing to your passions, your work won’t feel so much like work.” And I couldn’t agree more.

Take risks. “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”, Guiliano says, and she’s right! If you don’t stretch yourself and take risks, you’ll never move forward with new opportunities in your career or in your life.

Exceed Expectations. Guiliano earned her professional wings and the respect of others in a male dominated field of luxury goods. She believes the best way to get noticed is to do consistent and outstanding work – so play your best game.

Work for a Leader. Identify a leader you admire and who you’d like to learn from in your organization, and then do your best to build a solid working relationship with them.

Timing is everything – make it work for you.  There is an art to asking for a raise or pitching a new proposal at the appropriate time, according to Guiliano. Prepare yourself to be in the right place at the right time and seize those opportune moments to make the best impression.

Live a balanced life.  As many of us have discovered, it’s almost impossible to have or do it all – all of the time. It’s important to find a healthy balance between our work and personal lives. Guiliano is a strong advocate for taking time out for proper rest and relaxation.

Image Matters. As a consummate, savvy, chic, and stylish French woman, Guiliano believes strongly in cultivating a professional image. From a tasteful wardrobe and good haircut to polished communication skills – it’s about being confident and authentic whether in or outside of the office.