Chapter 4

ETIQUETTE/DRESS

“Winning is accomplished in the

preparation phase, not the execution phase.”

Anonymous

OBJECTIVES

Describe and discuss the importance of professional behavior in your career

State the impact dress can have on others’ perception of you

Demonstrate a professional introduction and handshake

Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior in business dining situations

Recognize and apply the appropriate use of technology in business/social situations

Utilize professional etiquette in appropriate business situations

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE

Executive presence: having the attitude of an executiveThis demonstrates knowledge

about basic workplace behaviorBe prepared for the social

experiences you will face in the workplace

INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Appearance: how you look The majority of first impressions are

made through your visual appearance Appearance has an impact on how

you perform at work Think of your appearance as a frame;

it is there only to highlight the picture

INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAppropriate Dress

Dress code: a policy that addresses issues such as required attire, uniforms, and hairstyle Vary depending on the industry, work area, and

health/safety issues Should pose no safety hazards

Work wardrobe: clothes primarily worn only to work and work-related functions Start with basic pieces and be conservative

Develop a style that conforms to both company policy and your taste

TALK IT OUT

Name local places where you can buy professional attire at a low cost

CASUAL WORKDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Casual workdays: days when companies relax their dress code

Still dress appropriately for work Do not wear tattered, stained, or torn

clothing Avoid shirts with sayings or graphics that

may offend others When visiting different geographic locations

research appropriate attire

TALK IT OUT

Identify people in class who are wearing something appropriate for a casual workday

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE

Shower daily and use deodorant Use lotions, cologne, or perfume sparingly

Clothes should be clean and ironed, and they fit properly

Hair should be clean, well kept, and a natural color

Practice good dental hygiene Hands and nails should be well-groomed Jewelry should be kept to a minimum Shoes should be in good condition

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE

WOMEN Makeup should be for day wear It is not acceptable to wear

suggestive clothing

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE

MEN Shave and/or trim

facial hair, including nose and ear hair

Shirts should be tucked in

Hats should not be worn inside buildings.

JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS

Body piercings and body rings/jewelry may be offensive to some individuals

It is difficult to hide a tattoo Consider the long-term consequences

if you are thinking about getting a tattoo

JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS

Nose, lip, and/or tongue rings should not be worn in a professional setting

More than two earrings worn on each ear is considered unprofessional

Earrings and other jewelry should not draw attention symbols or words that could be

considered offensive to others Body art should not be visible at

work

BUSINESS ETIQUETTETerms

Etiquette: a standard of social behavior as seen by society

Courtesy: exercising manners, respect, and consideration toward others

Respect: holding someone in high regard; putting others’ needs before your own needs

BUSINESS ETIQUETTEPlease and Thank You

These are extremely powerful words that can create power for you at work

When someone does something nice for you, say “thank you”

Make it a habit to write a thank-you note when someone does something for you

BUSINESS ETIQUETTEDemeanor

Have a pleasant attitude Smile and say please and thank you

when appropriate Knock before entering an office Put others first Apologize when necessary Do not use profanity Avoid dominating a conversation

TALK IT OUT

Discuss ways you can be courteous and respectful in class

HANDSHAKES

A good handshake conveys confidence

Extend your right hand, make eye contact and smile

Meet at the web and grip the other person’s hand

Gently squeeze and shake hands

HANDSHAKES

Do not squeeze too firmly Shake the entire hand, not just the

fingers Do not place your hand on top of the

other person’s hand or pat the hand If your palms are sweaty, discretely

wipe your palm on the side of your hip prior to shaking

INTRODUCTIONS and BUSINESS NETWORKING

Networking A tool for collaboration Initiate conversation Focus the conversation on the other

person Create a positive relationship

Introduce the lower-ranking person to the higher-ranking person

APPOINTMENTS

Meetings, phone, Internet Check regional time differences and

include it in your confirmation Be kind to the receptionist and/or

administrative assistance (gatekeeper)

Call if late or have to cancel Thank the participants

DININGDining Etiquette

Place your napkin on your lap; if you need to leave the table, place your napkin to the side of your plate

Do not discuss business matters until everyone has ordered

Utensils are set to be used in order of necessity

With beverages, offer and serve others at your table prior to serving yourself

DININGDining Etiquette

Do not order anything expensive or messy

Do not order alcohol unless others at your table first order an alcoholic beverage; abstaining from alcohol is the most desired behavior

DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

Offer bread to others at your table before taking a piece for yourself

Use the bread plate for bread and butter; do not butter the entire piece of bread at one time

DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

Offer the last piece of bread or appetizer to others before taking it

Begin eating only when everyone at your table has been served; if everyone receives their meal except you, give others at your table permission to begin eating without you

Do not eat your meal with your fingers unless your main course can be eaten without utensils

Be kind and polite to the staff and servers

If you accidentally burp or slurp, immediately apologize and say “excuse me”

DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

When done eating, place your knife and fork together with the blade facing in and the tines up; when you are resting and do not want the server to take your plate, place tines facing down

It is inappropriate to use a mobile device while dining; if you must take a call, excuse yourself from the table

DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

R.S.V.P. means “please respond” Send a reply, whether you are accepting

the invitation or sending your regrets When attending a social functional with other

professionals, remember: Refrain or limit the consumption of alcohol Only serve yourself a small plate of hors

d’oeuvres and move away from the food table

Hold your hors d’oeuvres in your left hand, leaving your right hand free to shake hands and greet others

Do not talk with food in your mouth

TALK IT OUT

Share common dining and social situations that make you uncomfortable and identify how best to deal with these situations

OTHER ETIQUETTE BASICS

Have a pleasant attitude Please and thank you

Knock before entering an office Put others first—allow others to go first Apologize—everyone makes mistakes No profanity in the workplace Avoid dominating a conversation—the

key is listening