ABC of Professional Etiquette

‘A’PPEARANCE‘B’EHAVIOUR‘C’OMMUNICATION

Author:Nilesh khanna

How Does Etiquette Benefit You?Differentiates you from others in a competitive

job market.Enables you to be confident in a variety of

settings with a variety of people.Honors commitment to excellence and quality.Modifies distracting behaviors and develops

admired conduct.

Critical Topics to ConsiderEtiquette Basics.

Business communication.

Professional Appearance.

Office Etiquette .

Networking.

Dining and Table Manners.

Business Communication“ It’s not just what you say , but how you say it ”

Effective communication in Business –

i. Builds Rapport.

ii. Attracts Buy-ins from business

Partners/counterparts.

iii. Gets your point across succinctly and Achieves

the desired results

Business Conversation –

“ The ability to communicate effectively is a leadership Skill for which companies are willing to pay a hefty premium”

To be Focused :

I. Your Choice of words , Your Voice, use of grammar & accent.

II. Self-evaluation of Your communication skills.

(neither speak too fast nor too softly)

Conversation pitfalls –

I. Speaking too loudly

II. Speaking too fast

III. Lack of conversation starter

IV. Verbal Garbage

Professional Appearance“We Judge a book by its cover” Basics –

I. Dress according to your position

II. Dress for your Client

III. Never dress in such a way that makes you or any body feel uncomfortable

IV. Upgrade your visual resume

V. Keep your dressing pattern situational

“Image is everything”

Grooming is fundamental -

I. Hair clean and styled appropriately

II. Clean nails, skin and teeth

III. Many professionals wear make-up

IV. Check fragrance and clothing care

Professional Attire

“Keep your clothes well pressed will keep you from looking hard pressed” – Coleman Cox

Formal AttireFor women –

skirted/pant suit, blouse /Saree or dress shirt, clean well maintained dress shoes (generally closed-toe shoe)

For men – suit, dress shirt, tie (well maintained dress shoes)

Business Casual

For women - dress pants, shirt, Salwar-Kurticasual shoe (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.)

For men –slacks/khaki/chinos pants, polo shirt, or other collared dress shirt, well maintained dress or casual shoes (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.)

**NOTHING SLOPPY**

Office Etiquette“ Politeness gets you ahead ”

Be helpful with the new comers

Help your colleague in their hour of need.

Disagree gracefully.

Attending a meeting –I. Come prepared

II. Stand up ,smile and offer a Shake hand

III. Introduce yourself and your colleague

IV. Offer a beverage/ glass of water

V. Start with Small Talks

VI. Listen carefully

VII. Keep a strict eye on the time and Agenda

VIII. Be concise and articulate when speaking

IX. Show respect and accompany your visitor to the lift/reception area.

Cubical –

I. Keep in mind that others work around you.

II. Professional business calls only.

III. Use your “inside voice” when on the phone or speaking

with a co-worker.

IV. Remember cubical conversations and calls can be

heard by others (use discretion and good judgment as

there is no “free air space”).

V. Respect privacy

VI. Minimize cubical decoration

VII. Maintain hygiene and Manage odor

Telephone Etiquette –

I. Use appropriate tone of voice.

II. Avoid use of Irritating Ringtones

III. Never make a business call to your client after the

Business hours

IV. Maintain a positive attitude.

V. Remove slang terms and use good listening skills.

VI. Take complete phone messages (name, date, time, reason

for calling, where they can be reached).

VII. Cell phone – TURN IT OFF.

Email Etiquette –

I. Make subject line specific.

II. Address emails.

III. Reply to a question- copy question into your email and

then provide your response.

IV. Follow standard writing guidelines - business letter

format as a professional courtesy.

V. Keep it short and concise.

VI. Include your name and contact information.

VII. REMEMBER – NOTHING is confidential when sent

electronically.

Email Etiquette :

“ Golden Rules ”

I. Emails are not a substitute for face to face meetings

II. Emails lacks Confidentiality

III. Wait…….. Don’t hit ‘ SEND’

Business EtiquetteMaking a positive impression –

I. Recognize that what you do early on will be

magnified

II. Be ready to learn, adapt and change.

III. Exercise professional maturity by showing good

judgment and build good relationships.

Show a healthy respect for colleagues experience and expertise.

Exhibit a positive attitude and know what your role will be on the team – How can I best assist?

Leave your personal life at the front door.

Inquire about the proper way to respond to co-workers, supervisors, clients ( Business letter head, phone call etc.)

How to Manage Different types of Colleague -

I. Gossip Mongers - be a part of the gossip but don’t contribute

II. The show offs – Smile politely , say ‘WOW !’ and move on

III. The Human Encyclopedia – use this walking talking encyclopedia when needed

IV. Mr. /Ms. Impolite - accept the honest remark gracefully

V. Over-friendly ‘Cling-wrap’ – one who would want to take you completely under his/her wings.

What is Not Appropriate in Business etiquette? No swearing.

No loud or obnoxious behavior.

No crude comments or topics.

Subjects to avoid: health, gossip, love life,

politics, religion, race and inappropriate stories

or jokes.

Business Networking Why Networking ?- because it is one of the most effective ways of expanding

your database of business contacts.

People in your Network

I. Business associates

II. Teachers/professionals

III. Friends

IV. Family

Types of networking Events –

I. Global seminar

II. Exhibition

III. Trade Fair

IV. Sports Events

V. Private clubs

VI. Cocktail parties

The GOLDEN RULES of Office parties –

I. They are ‘ Strictly Business’

II. The invite

III. Show up & Stay Put

IV. Your Conduct

V. It’s a network event

VI. Loose lips sink ships

BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

I. Don’t travel with your friends

II. Make direct eye contact, smile and speak

III. Contribute positively to the conversation with your

thoughts and open ended questions

IV. Don’t monopolize someone’s time

V. If appropriate, collect business card(s)

VI. Politely excuse yourself and move on to another

individual

THANK YOU