Etiquette in the business world is in many ways a list of unwritten rules that executives and corporate individuals are expected to follow. Those who follow these rules are considered to be conducting themselves appropriately in a professional setting and will command an executive presence that is not only respected, but effective.
In the business world, the relationships you build with others are absolutely critical to your overall success, because as they say, it’s not what you know but who you know.
Good communication skills and the right approach will have you heard and noticed in the working environment. Having just the right amount of confidence and manners is a careful balance that must also be learned.
A few examples of good office etiquette for you to consider include the following:
Mind your manners – this goes beyond saying please and thank you, it also includes giving your undivided attention during meetings, answering e-mails promptly, showing appreciation to those who help you, and respecting others’ time. It is unprofessional to keep staring at your phone while someone is talking to you. Also, don’t forget to clean up after yourself and ask before taking things from work, including pens and other supplies that belong to your company.
Act professionally at all times – don’t let your professionalism slide when your boss isn’t around or during happy hours like company-sponsored parties, for example. It’s important to be professional at work, work functions, and, well, just about any time you’re representing your company. This even includes cyber professionalism. Never, Facebook or tweet negative things about work or anyone from work. These things always have a way of coming back to bite you at some point.
Greetings and Customs – make eye contact when greeting or talking to others. Furthermore, ensure that you smile and shake hands, unless of course, the person’s culture differs from yours in which case you need to greet the person in the manner that is customary to them, like bowing instead of shaking hands. In some corporate spheres, calling your boss and senior colleagues by their first name is the norm. In other spheres, it is complete disrespect.
Don’t be late – arriving on time for meetings is of vital importance as some see tardiness as a sign of being disrespectful. Being late often indicates how disorganised you are, not how busy you are.
Communicating in a clear and concise manner – when speaking to others, get the message across audibly, politely and without going off track.
