Second Blog - Business Etiquette and Office Etiquette
Blog # 2 - Business and Office Etiquette
By: Nicole Bernal Marcial
What is Etiquette?
Etiquette in simpler words is defined as good behaviour which distinguishes human beings from animals. Human Being is a social animal and it is really important for him to behave in an appropriate way. Etiquette refers to behaving in a socially responsible way.
- Etiquette makes you a cultured individual who leaves his mark wherever he goes.
- Etiquette teaches you the way to talk, walk and most importantly behave in the society.
- Etiquette is essential for an everlasting first impression. The way you interact with your superiors, parents, fellow workers, friends speak a lot about your personality and up- bringing.
- Etiquette enables the individuals to earn respect and appreciation in the society. No one would feel like talking to a person who does not know how to speak or behave in the society. Etiquette inculcates a feeling of trust and loyalty in the individuals. One becomes more responsible and mature.
- Etiquette helps individuals to value relationships.
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.
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.
When it comes to business etiquette, there are rules that aren’t meant to be broken. Some of these may seem like common sense, but you would be surprised by how many times you may have made a mistake without even noticing it.
The basis of business etiquette is about building strong relationships in your field by fostering better communication. This can only happen when those you work with feel secure and comfortable. Although basic business etiquette may vary from country to country, some principles stand the test of time and geography.
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.
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 its worth it to make the extra effort to offer your hand.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Showing interest goes beyond business etiquette into general politeness, but it bears repeating: When speaking with someone, show you are truly engaged. Do not play on your phone or computer, and if you have to answer a communication say, “Excuse me one moment; I'm so sorry.”Maintain friendly eye contact. Listen. People will remember how you make them feel, and nobody wants to feel as if they are ignored.
In the Western world, a handshake is still the typical greeting. Say hello with a firm but quick handshake. This handshake is the extent of how much you should ever touch a co-worker – when it doubt, just don’t touch. Hugs or other types of affection that you share with friends and family are out of place in the workplace.
8. Don't walk into someone's office anannounced
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.
Office Etiquette
Office Etiquette refers to behaving in a sensible and appropriate manner in the office to leave a positive and everlasting impression . Your inadequate behaviour can challenge others in your workplace and you can become the enemy of your colleagues. Knowing the rules and etiquttes of working in the office can smooth the stumbling blocks of daily interaction and management of work. In simple terms, office etiquette are all about following a piece of advice which is never given by others but you are expected to follow, for getting along with other people in an organizational context. So, to be professional, organized and quick to manage people office etiquettes are vital.
1. Watch your body language.
1. Watch your body language.
Everyone has bad mornings, and sometimes they follow you into the office. Be aware of your body language even when you aren’t saying anything. If you feel angry or frustrated, give yourself a 10 minute “time-out” in a private space to bring yourself back to neutral. You don’t want to give the wrong impression during a morning meeting or during your performance reviews. Office etiquette requires professionalism even on your worst day.
2. Don’t be late.
2. Don’t be late.
Whether it is arriving for work or to a meeting, being punctual actually means being five minutes early. Showing up late is simply disrespectful. It delivers the message to your coworkers that their time isn’t as important as yours.
3. Minimise the jargon.
3. Minimise the jargon.
It is nearly impossible to escape corporate jargon, but it doesn’t mean you need to use it all the time. The key is to make yourself understood in a clear concise way. Most of the time jargon is far to vague, and you become impossible to understand. Tone it down and focus on good communication.
4. Dress appropriately.
4. Dress appropriately.
Every office has a dress code; make sure that what you wear is appropriate to that code. Whether you work at a corporate law firm, or it’s casual Friday, there will be a set of rules to follow. If you are unsure of your company’s dress code, your HR team will be able to give you all the details.
5. If your sick stay home.
5. If your sick stay home.
Do your team a favour and don’t share your pneumonia germs with everyone. Take a day or 2, and focus on getting better. You’re no good to anyone when you are too sick to read the numbers on your computer screen. If you must work, then work remotely – grab your laptop, and work from the comfort of home. Don’t forget to sanitise your desk when you get back to work.
6. Respect coworkers down time.
6. Respect coworkers down time.
Never contact a co-worker after hours, when they are off sick, or on vacation, unless they have given you specific directions to do so. Respect their down time like they respect yours.
6. Knock before you enter.
6. Knock before you enter.
Knock on any office door before you go in. It is a way to tell someone you are there before you start speaking. The same goes when you visit coworkers in cubicles. Even though their space doesn’t have a traditional door, you can knock on their cubical wall. If they are deep in their work, ask them to come see you when they have a moment – or make a time to come back and chat with them.
The foundation of proper etiquette is behavior that is accepted as gracious and polite in social, professional, and family situations. Good manners can mean the difference between success and failure in many aspects of life. Knowing and exhibiting proper etiquette is essential to any civilization.
Why does etiquette important?
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