Etiquette Quotient

In a changed scenario not only young women about to marry are seeking finishing schools but young professionals are looking to enhance their personalities for better career moves. “In the last three years,many parents have asked me to take grooming-finishing classes for their teenage boys and younger children,’’ smiles the 39-year-old Sekhon who started Grace in 2004—one of the first in North India.

Having studied at St Mary’s boarding in Nanital since the age of five,Sekhon says the school,run by German nuns,was as good as a European finishing school. “The upbringing we got from our teachers was complete in every way and it’s that education that I pass on in these classes,’’ says Sekhon.

The visible lack of social and ‘soft’ skills,low self-esteem,confidence levels,table manners and etiquette among young women made Sekhon start Grace. Many young women who initially joined the classes were from business families of Punjab and Chandigarh,leading sheltered lives,with less exposure. “Most of them were set to marry abroad or young men in the corporate world in the metros and wanted to be in step with their partners and a new world,’’ says Sekhon whose classes are a blend of Indian and international protocol. There are ‘life coaching skills’ and ‘relationship management’ for both personal and professional enhancement.

“The right attitude,” smiles Sekhon “is what’s most important. Physical props take a backseat— designer clothes,bags and cars come to naught if you can’t make a meaningful conversation,” she says. “That translates as grace and dignity in the way one carries oneself at a social do,a fine dining restaurant,and work. I stress more on women learning all this,for they are the leaders at home and now at work,’’ says Sekhon. Her teaching aids are films,books,television,shopping trips besides theory.

She even dines out with her students as part of the modules on dining etiquette,personality development and grooming and corporate classes.

The six to 15-day finishing class module has not more than four people in a batch,as Sekhon believes in knowing each of her students on a one-to-one basis. She designs the module keeping in mind their needs,background,strengths and weaknesses. “I’m taking classes for employees of BPOs,multi-nationals and some of my students are 60-year-old women,wanting to move with the times. I’m now looking forward to teaching young boys how to be gentlemen,’’ concludes Sekhon.