What impact does business etiquette knowledge have on your
job success?
Frequently, our professional success depends on something
other than intrinsic aptitude and brilliance but on our soft skills, emotional
intelligence, and knowledge of business etiquette.
In the corporate sector, people from diverse ethnic,
religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds set aside their differences to support
the organization's success. Following etiquette and standards helps keep things
moving smoothly when people with various opinions and perspectives meet.
In general, professional behavior entails not only
displaying self-assurance but also considering the feelings and attitudes of
others.
Here are some business etiquette guidelines that every
businessperson should adhere to:
1. Explore Emotional Intelligence
The capacity to act with emotional intelligence is one of
the essential qualities of business etiquette. This is the capacity to set
aside one's emotions and examine situations from the perspective of others.
After emotional intelligence training, individuals were
considerably better at recognizing and managing their emotions, according to
one study. This indicates that individuals can better maintain dynamic control
under challenging conditions.
Take into account:
When under pressure, supervisors and coworkers who yell and
cuss at others create a toxic work atmosphere. In contrast, calmness leads to
success when performing professional responsibilities, meeting tight deadlines,
or dealing with demanding clientele.
2. Dress Appropriately for Your Position
Even while work clothing has gotten more informal in many
industries, it is still not advisable to wear grocery slippers to the office.
Remember that you only have one opportunity to make a solid
first impression. If you don't want to be known as the person who wears
sweatpants and cheap flip-flops, you should dress more elegantly.
Good business etiquette necessitates considering your work
attire; this demonstrates to your employees and coworkers that you respect your
job and care about the company's image. When you take care of your work
clothing, you need not wear a suit and tie every day, but you should ensure
that they are friendly, clean, pressed, and acceptable for the workplace.
3. Be Punctual
On the roads, everyone has accidents, but punctuality is
frequently a matter of preference.
It is impolite and poor business etiquette to make others
wait because you cannot depart on time. By your actions, you communicate to
people who keep you waiting, "My time is more valuable than yours."
Additionally, depending on your business, being late can put
your coworkers at risk. For instance, if you work in a team and are routinely
late, you push your coworkers to work extra hours.
4. Remember Your Ps and Qs.
Remember the last time you did someone a significant favor,
and they took it for granted without thanking you; it didn't inspire you to
assist again, did it?
Proper business etiquette demands the usage of
"please" and "thank you." When asking a coworker to call a
client back or stay longer in the office, do so gently; otherwise, you can
anticipate your coworkers to become angry.
80% of employees believe they would work harder if their
boss liked them, and 70% say they would be happier if their supervisor
expressed gratitude more frequently.
5. During Meetings, Turn Off Your Mobile Phone.
Even if your phone is set to vibrate, any text message or
incoming call that rings during an important meeting will interrupt your
colleagues' train of thought. If the temptation to chat during the session is
too great, learn to turn off your phone, put it in your desk drawer, or even
leave it in the car.
In sufficiently big groups, it is possible to pass notes
under the table like in school, but then it becomes difficult to focus on the
matter.
However, a note-taking app during a meeting is neither
inappropriate nor against business etiquette; put your phone on quietly.
6. Learn Business Lunch Etiquette.
If you have an essential business lunch coming up, it's a
good idea to have some almonds and dried fruit or another nutritious snack
before leaving. You want your hunger to be focused on your work.
Other business etiquette guidelines include dressing
adequately for the lunch location and being on time. Additionally, it would
help if you abstained from drinking or had no more than one drink when
ordering.
Business etiquette also dictates that you wait for your host
to make the order before placing your own and following their directions. This
does not mean you must purchase the same thing, but you may decline the $40
fillet if the host orders the $20 chicken.
7. Acknowledge The Time of Others
How do you respond when you have a busy schedule and
"that" colleague persists in asking you questions at the end of the
meeting, primarily when those questions could be handled easily by email or in
a face-to-face encounter?
Or, how do you feel when you have an excellent idea to
contribute but cannot because a coworker insists on dominating the
conversation?
There is a significant difference between requesting
clarification on something you don't understand and holding other staff members
hostage by asking the speaker to repeat half of what they said.
Remember that making friends at work is nice, but you're
there to perform your job, not to be a social butterfly. It's acceptable to
exchange pleasantries and make the occasional (appropriate) joke, but don't
stand at the entrance of an office chatting when it's obvious the person wants
to get to work.
8. Learn How to Recall Names.
One of the most critical components of business etiquette is
understanding how to welcome people properly. Most people know the significance
of first impressions and a solid handshake, but it is also essential to
remember people's names.
Here are some tried-and-true strategies for memorizing
people's names:
·
Visualize an image to assist you in recalling
the name; for instance, if the person's name is Mrs. Duckworth, you may see a
mallard duck wearing a cap made of dollar banknotes.
·
During the performance, repeat the person's name
multiple times; this will help you correlate the name with the face and make it
remember.
·
If you exchange business cards immediately
following the encounter, jot down a few notes about the appearance of the
person you are meeting at the back.
9. Develop Your Active Listening Skills.
If you can grasp basic business etiquette, you will succeed
whether speaking with a boss, a client, or a subordinate.
What does it mean to listen actively?
It entails paying attention to the speaker and being
prepared to offer follow-up questions or use expressive language to demonstrate
understanding. It is also helpful to nod and make eye contact; this indicates
that you have listened.
10. Be Switzerland-Like in Your Water Cooler Chatter.
A recent study indicated that most gossip, or
three-quarters, is neutral talk about current events.
For instance, water cooler chatter such as "Hey, did
you hear that Barb from accounting got a girlfriend yesterday?"
It can also lead to a sense of equilibrium among the
personnel.
Maintain pleasant communication in the office and gripe when
you're alone.
11. Display Empathy
Before you criticize someone for a mistake or a missed
deadline or reprimand them for unacceptable office behavior.
This does not mean that you need to become an office
psychologist, but it is much easier to comprehend why a friend going through a
breakup or suffering from stress hangs up the phone or takes several cigarette
breaks.
12. Maintain A Positive Attitude
You may feel that your most recent work review was unfair,
but you cannot change it. All you can do is manage your reaction to bad news
and strive to perform better in the future.
Take into account:
Which is more effective: cursing and sulking or calmly
asking, "What do you recommend I do to enhance my performance?"
When deadlines are tight and tempers are flaring, a
reputation for composure can be utilized for public relations objectives.
Besides, who needs a reputation as the office Oscar for lousy fit?
13. Resolve Difficulties Using Appropriate Solutions
The copier is broken again, and there is no money in the
budget to purchase a replacement.
If you want to proceed quickly, it's only time to throw in
the towel and go home once management resolves the issue.
One of the best ways to get promoted is to identify a
problem and provide a solution. Your workplace
could use cloud storage instead of paper files to boost communication and
conserve trees.
Not to mention, problem-solving skills are one of the most
sought-after skills in job advertisements; if you master these characteristics,
climbing the career ladder will be much simpler.
14. Accept Responsibility for Your Errors.
Few of us prefer to confess, "I made a mistake,"
but great entrepreneurs teach us that every mistake is a chance to learn and
improve if we accept responsibility for what went wrong.
When you realize you've made a mistake, your natural
reaction is panic. Instead of reacting quickly, take a deep breath (or several)
and then consider potential remedies.
How, for instance, can you remedy a pricing error without
penalizing the client or requiring them to pay more? You may need to offer a
discount for the inconvenience, but can you communicate the enhanced value they
will receive?
If feasible, attempt to remedy errors on your own, but be
receptive to guidance from others; perhaps a colleague has made a similar error
in the past and can offer advice.
15. Lifelong Education
It is optional to read to be successful in life, but because
technology changes at the speed of light, the industry must constantly teach
its staff.
Employers and executives can encourage learning by rewarding
employees for continuing their education or offering free access to business
literature, such as books and trade periodicals.
Likewise, as an employee, you should be receptive to new
information and take advantage of free webinars and industry conferences to
stay current.
16. Recognize That No One Is Omniscient
No one can know everything, especially in a fast-paced
information culture, so listening to what others say and actively seeking
opportunities to collaborate is crucial. Your colleagues have a plethora of
knowledge to contribute; utilize it and add your worth.
Also, be cautious when conversing with others; if you feel
like you are dominating the conversation, stop talking and listen to what
others have to say; you may learn something new or, at the very least, hear a
different viewpoint than your own.
Invite everyone to speak, even if only for a few minutes, so
that no one feels left out and, more importantly, so that you can leave the
meeting with more ideas to try.
17. Learn to Accept Constructive Feedback.
Everyone raises their hand when they feel criticized. Yet,
all criticism contains at least a grain of truth, and the ability to absorb
negative input is essential when working with business partners.
Negative feedback is not evidenced that your boss hates you;
instead, utilize it as a beginning point for progress. If someone makes a
recommendation, be sure to thank them; after all, they took the time to assist
you in achieving success.
Suppose you hear unfavorable feedback or a suggestion to
enhance a particular procedure; resist the impulse to respond quickly. Instead,
maintain a neutral expression and nod your head to indicate that you are
listening and have gotten the information.
Then, take a minute to study the critique and ask yourself,
"Is there anything I can learn?" If the answer is yes, thank the
critic and begin using what you've learned.
18. Behave Honestly
If you are not confident that your lie is not a white lie -
for instance, if you tell a colleague that you like her blouse when you think
it is too flashy for the office - tell the truth. Lies tend to get amplified,
which can harm the bottom line.
If you tell your boss you're halfway done with a project
you've just begun, you risk losing the trust of your team and your employer. If
you prefer to stay in the office at night, be honest and admit that you need
more time.
19. Understand What Should Be Kept Private
As with spreading unfavorable rumors, revealing certain
information at work can be detrimental to a person's career aspirations and is
considered poor professional conduct.
For instance, do not inquire about your coworkers' pay or
share what you've discovered with others - it's none of your business and is
considered impolite.
Respect the secrecy of your colleagues' other personal
information; if Sally in the sales department tells you she's pregnant, don't
tell anyone until she does.
Or, if someone tells you about their problems, keep that
information to yourself so long as it does not compromise your job security,
such as if a coworker operating heavy machinery admits to drinking on the job.
20. Adhere to The Council
Instead of devising inventive ways to circumvent the
restrictions in the employee handbook, address with your supervisor the rules
you feel are unfair. For instance, keep your cell phone on vibrate so your
family can reach you in an emergency.
Check your motives if you are attempting to influence a
policy change. Ensure that your suggestions genuinely stem from a desire to
improve morale, procedure, or both. And be sure to choose the right time: just
as you prefer to receive criticism in private, you should show the same respect
to your boss by refraining from complaining to your coworkers. Schedule a time
when things are going well to have a conversation.
21. Use Good Judgment in The Open Office.
Use common sense if you work in an office with an open floor
plan, which has become a trend that is unlikely to disappear.
Pay attention to the volume of your voice. Suppose you have
hearing difficulties (15% of individuals do!). In that case, business etiquette
mandates that you utilize a soundproof room to make phone calls and enter a
meeting room to speak with a colleague.
Note that there is virtually no reasonable expectation of
privacy in such an environment, an aspect of open-plan offices that critics
frequently emphasize. Therefore, whenever possible, have private conversations
with loved ones and children via text message or step outside to make a quick
phone call.
22. Ask If You Are Not Sure
Asking for clarification can prevent many errors on the job.
If you need to learn how to use an industrial-sized copier, ask. If you need to
know how detailed a specific report should be, you know what to do.
If you construct a huge contract and need clarification of
the language, you create a risk for the firm. Vague phrases can result in the
legal invalidity of a contract, which in large industries can have a domino
effect on third parties and damage your organization's reputation.
Having a colleague or supervisor assess your work can
guarantee that your organization maintains a favorable relationship with the client
and meets all contractual responsibilities.
23. Leave The Drama for The Small Screen.
When you're a few minutes late, do you enter the workplace
like a bull in a china shop, blaming the traffic and lamenting that you can't
put on your eye makeup on the first try? If so, you're diverting your coworkers
from their work and preoccupying them with irrelevant matters.
The same is true if you run around the office in a panic as
an essential deadline approaches rather than working calmly to meet the
deadline. Your negative, frantic energy rubs off on everyone you meet and
stresses out your coworkers, even if they can perform their duties. When people
are stressed, their productivity decreases.
So keep these rules of business etiquette in mind and leave
the drama at home in front of the television. Even if you're feeling nauseous,
you should enter the office with a smile on your face. Not only does smiling
instantly improve your mood, but it also prevents negative emotions from
spreading to others. When everyone has positive emotions, productivity
increases.
24. Develop A Firm Handshake
The most crucial aspect of the handshake in business is
getting it right.
Avoid shaking the other person's hand if you have a firm
grasp. You can't always tell if the person you're welcoming has arthritis; a
tight grip can be detrimental even if you don't.
Also, do not practice a loose handshake; a firm handshake
with eye contact is preferable. If your palms are sweaty from excitement, it is
advisable to wash them or apply hand sanitizer before the performance.
25. Evaluate Your Body Language
Even if you don't speak a word, your body language
communicates extensively. Pay attention to the unspoken messages your body
language conveys.
For instance:
·
Resting your head on the desk conveys that you
are bored, as does placing your head in your hands and averting your gaze.
·
Crossing your arms over your chest indicates
opposition or hate, mainly if a coworker or supervisor describes a new method
you dislike.
·
Raised eyebrows can imply both suspicion and
interest; try smiling slightly to avoid appearing suspicious.
·
Raise of the shoulders is a sign of worry and
anxiety; this is not meant as an insult, but an apprehensive appearance can
hinder your ability to perform your work.
·
Constantly twisting your hair or chewing your
nails indicates insecurity, not self-assurance.
26. Remember That Your Coworkers Have Lives Outside of the Office.
Remember, if you are in a leadership position, a great
leader pulls up their sleeves and works alongside the team when necessary.
If you expect the team to stay late as a critical deadline
approaches, let the team know that you will as well.
What to do if a colleague or subordinate is experiencing
personal difficulties? If you return from a month of maternity leave and need
your employees to present a death certificate to receive unpaid leave from
attending a funeral, you might anticipate hostility.
Yes, you've worked hard to reach where you are today, but
that doesn't change the fact that everyone, beginning with the caregiver, has
basic human needs that must be honored; when an employer disregards these
needs, productivity decreases.
27. Learn Business Email Etiquette.
Remember that others may need to be aware of your vacation
plans, mainly if you work with a large team. Set up autoresponders, so they
know why you haven't answered, and modify your voicemail to reflect that you
are away and if you can be reached via other methods, such as texting.
Remember that it's impossible to hear your tone in a text
message or email, so be mindful of how you express yourself. While you don't
want your correspondence to sound like teenage emojis, using emoticons to
convey comedy is acceptable.
28. Proofread All Correspondence.
Few things expose your inexperience more than emails, notes,
and letters with grammatical and spelling problems. Always check your
correspondence before printing it (and saving the tree) or pushing
"send" - it's essential business etiquette.
Consider the last time you encountered an internet
advertisement with misspelled words. Like most people, you probably rolled your
eyes and opted not to purchase the goods or services.
After all, appropriate spelling and grammar are essential,
and the absence of suitable norms gives purchasers the impression that your
product is inferior.
In a multinational firm, misspellings and improper use of
conventions can lead to translation blunders. You don't want to be remembered
like the KFC marketer who translated "finger food" as "eat your
fingers" when it was released in Beijing, China, in the 1980s.
29. Exceptional Clarification of Delicate Matters
Even if a colleague or subordinate has committed a heinous
act, you should request a private conversation rather than expressing your
displeasure in public. Make an appointment to speak privately, and if you are
concerned that the situation may escalate, ask a neutral supervisor or
colleague to be present.
The same holds if you need to gently correct a coworker who
is famously indecisive or appears to be experiencing a difficult time.
If you are concerned that the meeting will be too noisy,
hold it in a quieter area of the building instead of your office. Find an empty
conference room. Even if the communication does not entail strong emotions,
remember that noise can travel and take every measure to ensure anonymity.
30. Treat Others as You Would Like to Be Treated.
One of the most fundamental pieces of business etiquette advice
is to follow the golden rule: treat others as you want. Everyone, from
caregivers to CEOs, has their own feelings, emotions, desires, and goals.
Suppose you need to include an employee in your improvement
plan. How would you feel if your supervisor did the same thing?
If you answered "no" to the above question, you
should not disregard the complaints of individuals who are required to
frequently fill in for an absent employee on their day off.
Before introducing new rules, proposing discipline, or taking
other actions that will significantly impact the lives of your employees,
consider how those actions would affect you if the situation were reversed. If
you find a particular action harsh or arbitrary, consider whether alternative
measures could achieve the same goal.
