12 rules of business etiquette that many violate unbeknownst to themselves

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Check which ones you are following exactly and which ones are worth taking note of.

1. Greet

This is not only polite, but also helpful in establishing a good relationship. Often a simple greeting or even a nod with a smile is enough. But you can add a few more words, then the person will consider you friendly and remember you better. For example, you can compliment or comment on your surroundings: the weather, the office, or a book on a colleague's desk.

To continue the conversation, ask open-ended questions. They require a more detailed answer than yes and no. But don't forget about tact. If you can see that a person is in a hurry or is not inclined to talk now, it is better not to impose a conversation on him.

2. Shake hands and look into eyes

Shaking hands is a universal gesture of greeting in a business environment. It should be moderately strong, this is considered a positive characteristic. During the handshake, it is customary to look into the eyes, otherwise it may seem that the person is hiding something.

3. Be considerate of names

During dating, you should carefully listen to how the person introduces himself. If you could not hear or understand how his name is pronounced, it is better to honestly admit it and ask him to repeat it. Most likely, if the name of the interlocutor is unusual or difficult to pronounce, he is already used to this.

But distorting names for the sake of a joke or inventing nicknames for colleagues will be inappropriate. You need to address them as they appear.

If you find it difficult to remember names, especially at events where you meet many new people, try repeating their name three or four times with each person. Not in a row, otherwise it will look strange.

4. Introduce interlocutors

If you enter into a conversation with someone and with you a person unknown to your interlocutors, be sure to introduce him. Add some other information to the name, such as what he does. This is a manifestation of courtesy to everyone present, and your companion will be more comfortable.

5. Check messages for errors before sending

A significant part of business communication now takes place in writing, and each message forms an opinion about the sender as a professional. Therefore, you need to be attentive to what you have written and check for errors and typos in the text before submitting it. This will help avoid unpleasant situations and misunderstandings.

6. Respect someone else's time

It is important to always arrive on time and meet the deadline, and in case of being late, be sure to warn of the delay.

If you find it difficult to estimate how much time it will take you on a task, start monitoring your schedule regularly. Record how much you do different things, and gradually you will be able to manage your schedule more competently.

7. Keep the workplace clean

His condition affects the professional image of an individual employee, and if the workplace is seen by clients, then the image of the entire company.

Mountains of unwashed mugs, some papers and notes on the table are not good. Others may wonder if a person is doing their job if they can't even clean up their desk.

8. Be careful with the places and objects of common use

If you work in an office, chances are you have to share kitchen, office supplies, or appliances with your coworkers. It will be more pleasant for everyone if you remember that these things are common and handle them carefully. And if everyone begins to throw out garbage after themselves, return to their place what they have taken for a while, and will not take other people's products from the refrigerator.

9. Do not talk too much about your life, but also do not be completely closed

Hardly everyone in the office needs to know about someone’s personal problems or that crazy party someone threw over the weekend. You should also avoid touching on topics that can cause a lot of controversy, such as religion and politics.

But if you don't say anything about yourself at all, colleagues may consider this a sign of arrogance or excessive coldness. A good option would be to share your hobbies (without unnecessary details) or impressions from a recent trip, to recommend a movie or book you like.

10. Consider the work style of others

Some people like to work in complete silence, while others enjoy loud music. While providing yourself with a comfortable work schedule, you should respect the needs of your colleagues. For example, if you need music to concentrate, put on headphones, and if you need to turn on or off the lights, first ask if it will interfere with others.

11. Don't speak too loudly

It is important to remember that other people are working around. But for those who have a naturally ringing or rolling voice, or those who tend to shift to a raised tone when the conversation is animated, it can be difficult. They have to remind themselves more often than others that this way of speaking can be distracting and annoying. And if there is a meeting in the next office or a colleague is talking on the phone with a client, a loud voice talking about something else is especially inappropriate.

12. Remove the phone during communication

In many situations, looking at your phone in front of other people is just rude. For example, if someone sits at a meeting, talks to a client or colleague without letting go of the phone, he seems to be saying that the subject of the conversation and the interlocutor are not important to him and do not deserve his time. So you should put your phone away, and be sure to turn off the sound at important meetings.