Business Etiquette.
As times change, so do social norms for personal and professional behavior, but that doesn’t mean basic etiquette doesn’t matter. Performance and quality are important, too, of course, but not exclusively. We sometimes forget that business is about people. There is no shortage of competent and reliable people in the business world and manners can make the difference. Wouldn’t you rather collaborate with, work for or buy from someone who has high standards of
professional behavior?
Many, but not all, of us follow these 15 time-tested rules of better behavior. Do you?
1. When in doubt, introduce others. Always introduce people
to others whenever the opportunity arises, unless you know that they’re already
acquainted. It makes people feel valued, regardless of their status or
position.
2. A handshake is still the professional standard. Not only
does this simple gesture demonstrate that you’re polite, confident and
approachable, it also sets the tone for any potential future professional
relationship. In a very casual work atmosphere, you might be able to get away
with a nod or a hello, but it’s worth it to make the extra effort to offer your
hand.
3. Always say “Please” and “Thank you.” This should go
without saying, but even in a very casual professional atmosphere, this basic
form of courtesy is still imperative. Today, sending a thank you e-mail is
perfectly acceptable, but a handwritten thank you note is always a nice
touch.
4. Don’t interrupt. We’ve become a nation of “over-talkers,”
so eager to offer our own opinions or press our point that we often interrupt
others mid-sentence. It can be tongue-bitingly difficult to force ourselves not
to interject, especially when the discussion is heated. Don’t. It’s rude and
shows disrespect for the opinions of others. Remember, be assertive, not
aggressive.
5. Watch your language. Verbal and written communications
are often much less formal than in times past, but be careful to choose your
words wisely. Of course, derogatory, rude or offensive language is unacceptable,
but so is slang. While it may be commonplace in our society, it’s never
acceptable in a professional atmosphere.
6. Double check before you hit send. While we’re on the
subject of communication, always check your e-mails for spelling and grammar
errors. Since the advent of spell check, there is no excuse for
typos. Also, do a quick read to make sure the meaning and tone are what you wish
to convey. And no smileys, please.
7. Don’t walk into someone’s office unannounced. It’s
disrespectful to assume that you have the right to interrupt other people’s
work. Knock on the door or say hello if it’s open and ask if it’s a good time to
talk. If the discussion is going to take more than a few minutes, it’s a good
idea to call or e-mail and schedule a good time for both of you.
8. Don’t gossip. It’s so hard sometimes to resist engaging
in a little “harmless” gossip. But the reality is that gossip is never harmless.
It is most certainly damaging to the subject of the gossip, but it also reflects
poorly on you. It’s natural to be curious and interested in what other people
are doing, but talking about someone who is not present is disrespectful.
9. Don’t eavesdrop. Everyone is entitled to private
conversations, in person or over the phone. The same goes for e-mail; don’t
stand over someone’s shoulder and read their e-mails.
10. Acknowledge others. When someone approaches you,
acknowledge him or her. If you’re in the middle of something important, it’s
fine to ask them to wait a minute while you finish. If you pass someone in the
hallway or on the street, but don’t have time to talk, at least wave a hand and
say hello. Busyness is not an excuse to ignore people.
11. Avoid the “Big Two.” We have blurred many of the
personal and professional lines, but politics and religion are still off-limits.
These topics are highly charged minefields for a professional atmosphere. Leave
them at the office door.
12. Be on time. We’re all busy. Being punctual shows others
that you value their time. Being late doesn’t mean that you’re busier than other
people; it just means that you’re inconsiderate.
13. No phone during meetings. When you’re in a meeting,
focus on the meeting discussion. Don’t take calls, text or check e-mail. It’s
disrespectful to the other attendees, not to mention, extremely annoying. It
also makes meetings last longer because the participants keep losing focus.
14. Don’t be a business card pusher. Don’t simply hand out
business cards to everyone you meet. It’s a bit aggressive unless you’re on a
sales call. Ask for the other person’s card, offer to exchange cards or at the
very least, ask if you can leave your card before you reach in your pocket.
15. Show genuine interest. Keep eye contact and make an
effort to truly listen to what others are saying. We are so easily distracted in
this climate of increasingly short attention spans; we often can’t wait for the
other person to hurry up and finish so we can move on to the next thing. Resist
the lure of distraction and haste. Take the time to ask questions and show an
interest in the other person’s thoughts.
professional behavior?
Many, but not all, of us follow these 15 time-tested rules of better behavior. Do you?
1. When in doubt, introduce others. Always introduce people
to others whenever the opportunity arises, unless you know that they’re already
acquainted. It makes people feel valued, regardless of their status or
position.
2. A handshake is still the professional standard. Not only
does this simple gesture demonstrate that you’re polite, confident and
approachable, it also sets the tone for any potential future professional
relationship. In a very casual work atmosphere, you might be able to get away
with a nod or a hello, but it’s worth it to make the extra effort to offer your
hand.
3. Always say “Please” and “Thank you.” This should go
without saying, but even in a very casual professional atmosphere, this basic
form of courtesy is still imperative. Today, sending a thank you e-mail is
perfectly acceptable, but a handwritten thank you note is always a nice
touch.
4. Don’t interrupt. We’ve become a nation of “over-talkers,”
so eager to offer our own opinions or press our point that we often interrupt
others mid-sentence. It can be tongue-bitingly difficult to force ourselves not
to interject, especially when the discussion is heated. Don’t. It’s rude and
shows disrespect for the opinions of others. Remember, be assertive, not
aggressive.
5. Watch your language. Verbal and written communications
are often much less formal than in times past, but be careful to choose your
words wisely. Of course, derogatory, rude or offensive language is unacceptable,
but so is slang. While it may be commonplace in our society, it’s never
acceptable in a professional atmosphere.
6. Double check before you hit send. While we’re on the
subject of communication, always check your e-mails for spelling and grammar
errors. Since the advent of spell check, there is no excuse for
typos. Also, do a quick read to make sure the meaning and tone are what you wish
to convey. And no smileys, please.
7. Don’t walk into someone’s office unannounced. It’s
disrespectful to assume that you have the right to interrupt other people’s
work. Knock on the door or say hello if it’s open and ask if it’s a good time to
talk. If the discussion is going to take more than a few minutes, it’s a good
idea to call or e-mail and schedule a good time for both of you.
8. Don’t gossip. It’s so hard sometimes to resist engaging
in a little “harmless” gossip. But the reality is that gossip is never harmless.
It is most certainly damaging to the subject of the gossip, but it also reflects
poorly on you. It’s natural to be curious and interested in what other people
are doing, but talking about someone who is not present is disrespectful.
9. Don’t eavesdrop. Everyone is entitled to private
conversations, in person or over the phone. The same goes for e-mail; don’t
stand over someone’s shoulder and read their e-mails.
10. Acknowledge others. When someone approaches you,
acknowledge him or her. If you’re in the middle of something important, it’s
fine to ask them to wait a minute while you finish. If you pass someone in the
hallway or on the street, but don’t have time to talk, at least wave a hand and
say hello. Busyness is not an excuse to ignore people.
11. Avoid the “Big Two.” We have blurred many of the
personal and professional lines, but politics and religion are still off-limits.
These topics are highly charged minefields for a professional atmosphere. Leave
them at the office door.
12. Be on time. We’re all busy. Being punctual shows others
that you value their time. Being late doesn’t mean that you’re busier than other
people; it just means that you’re inconsiderate.
13. No phone during meetings. When you’re in a meeting,
focus on the meeting discussion. Don’t take calls, text or check e-mail. It’s
disrespectful to the other attendees, not to mention, extremely annoying. It
also makes meetings last longer because the participants keep losing focus.
14. Don’t be a business card pusher. Don’t simply hand out
business cards to everyone you meet. It’s a bit aggressive unless you’re on a
sales call. Ask for the other person’s card, offer to exchange cards or at the
very least, ask if you can leave your card before you reach in your pocket.
15. Show genuine interest. Keep eye contact and make an
effort to truly listen to what others are saying. We are so easily distracted in
this climate of increasingly short attention spans; we often can’t wait for the
other person to hurry up and finish so we can move on to the next thing. Resist
the lure of distraction and haste. Take the time to ask questions and show an
interest in the other person’s thoughts.