Test Your Business Etiquette

Corporate and business etiquette can be tricky, and making the right moves can make a big difference. Take this quiz and see how you fare in the following business situations. The answers are at the bottom of the page. 1. Your boss, Ms. Alpha, enters the room when you're meeting with an important client, Mr. Beta. You rise and say "Ms. Alpha, I'd like you to meet Mr. Beta, our client from San Diego." Is this introduction correct? At a social function, you meet the CEO of an important Japanese corporation. After a brief chat, you give him your business card. Is this correct? You're entering a cab with an important client. You position yourself so the client is seated curbside. Is this correct? You're hosting a dinner at a restaurant. You've pre-ordered for everyone and indicated where they should sit. Are you correct? A toast has been proposed in your honor. You say "thank you" and take a sip of your drink. Are you correct? You're in a restaurant and a thin soup is served in a cup with no handles. To eat it you should: a. pick it up and drink it b. use the spoon provided c. eat half of it with a spoon and drink the remainder You're at a dinner and champagne is served with the dessert. You simply can't drink champagne yet know the host will be offering a toast. Do you: a. tell the waiter "no champagne" b. turn over your glass c. ask the waiter to pour water into your champagne glass instead d. say nothing and allow the champagne to be poured You're at a table in a restaurant for a business dinner. Midway through the meal, you're called to the telephone. What do you do with your napkin? a. Take it with you b. Fold and place it to the left of your plate c. Loosely fold it and place it on the right side d. Leave it on your chair You're hosting a dinner party at a restaurant. Included are two other couples, and your most valuable client and his wife. You instruct the waiter to: a. serve your spouse first b. serve your client's spouse first c. serve you and your spouse last You're invited to a reception and the invitation states "7:00 to 9:00 PM." You should arrive: a. at 7:00 PM b. anytime between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM c. between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM d. go early and leave early You're greeting or saying good-bye to someone. When's the proper time to shake their hand? a. When you're introduced b. At their home c. At their office d. On the street e. When you say good-bye You're talking with a group of four people. Do you make eye contact with: a. just the person to whom you're speaking at the moment? b. each of the four, moving your eye contact from one to another? c. no one particular person (not looking directly into anyone's eyes)? The waiter's coming toward you to serve wine. You don't want any. You turn your glass upside down. Are you correct? When you greet a visitor in your office, do you: a. say nothing and let her sit where she wishes?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

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b. tell her where to sit? c. say "Just sit anywhere" 15. You're invited to dinner in a private home. When do you take your napkin from the table and place it on your lap? a. Open it immediately b. Wait for the host to take his napkin before taking yours? c. Wait for the oldest person at the table to take his? d. Wait for the acknowledged head of the table to take hers before taking yours? 16. You're scheduled to meet a business associate for working lunch and you arrive a few minutes early to find a suitable table. 30 minutes later your associate still hasn't arrived. Do you: a. order your lunch and eat? b. continue waiting and fuming that your associate isn't there? c. tell the head waiter you're not staying and give him our card with instructions to present it to your associate to prove you were there? d. after 15 minutes call your associate? 17. You've forgotten a lunch with a business associate. You feel terrible and know he's furious. Do you: a. write a letter of apology? b. send flowers? c. keep quiet and hope he forgets about it? a.d. call and set up another appointment?

Now lets see how you did...

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3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

No. Introduce the more important person first. You should address your client and say "Mr. Beta, I'd like you to meet our Vice President of Development, Ms. Alpha." (Alternative answer?introduce the client as the more important person!) No. In Japan (unlike in the United States or the UK), business cards are taken as a serious reflection of their owner and are exchanged with great ceremony. Researching the importance of business cards in various cultures can help in avoiding embarrassing faux pas. Yes. When your client steps out of the car, (s) he will be on the curbside and therefore won't have to deal with getting out in traffic or sliding across the seat. Yes No. If you do, then you're toasting yourself. B. It's not a cup of coffee, for heaven's sake. And don't slurp, either. D. It's more polite not to call attention to the fact that you can't drink champagne. D. Leave it on your chair. Definitely don't put it on the table--what if you have crumbs on it? B and C. Sort of a trick question, but this is important. A, B, or C. It's terribly impolite to arrive early. A, B, C, D, and E. In other words, it's rarely improper to shake someone's hand. Make sure you have a firm (but not painful) handshake for both men and women. B. Make eye contact with all of the individuals you're talking with. No. Again, don't call attention to your dislike of your host's chosen beverage. B. Indicating where your guest should sit will make her feel more comfortable. B, C, or D. Just don't grab it first unless you're playing one of these roles. A. You've waited 30 minutes. Expect an apology later, though. D. Call and set up another appointment. And don't forget to apologize for your error. Imagine how you'd feel if it was you!

Q. What is the proper time to arrive for an appointment?

Click To Close [-] A. Always arrive on time for an appointment.---Never arrive late. ---Arrive no more than five minutes early.

Q. Is it impolite to ask an executive of a company for payment of outstanding invoices?

Click To Close [-] A. For services rendered, it is not considered impolite to request payment. However, you should first contact your billing representative before approaching the executives or principals of the company.

Q. Can I exchange business cards while dining?

Click To Close [-] A. Business cards should never be exchanged while dining. This is true at even the most informal dining situations.

Q. What is the proper way to display flags?

Click To Close [-] A. When displaying flags at business, civic or social events, the American flag is placed on the speaker's right. State and organizations' flags are placed on the speakers left or to the audience's right.

Q. How should I exchange gifts with my fellow coworkers at the office during the holiday season?

Click To Close [-] A. First, always observe the company's specific gift giving policy. Second, employees should be discreet when exchanging gifts with one another. Gifts should be exchanged away from other coworkers, so not to offend employees not receiving any gifts.

Q. Can I hold a drink when in a receiving line?

Click To Close [-] A. Alcoholic beverages are inappropriate in a receiving line. Both the "greeters" standing in the line and the guests being introduced should not have a drink in hand.

Q. How can I get more privacy in my cubicle without being rude to my coworkers?

Click To Close [-] A. If you are a cubicle worker, who is constantly "challenged" by a lack of privacy at your workplace, propose to management that a 'Cubicle Workers Code of Ethics' be established for workers of a common area.

Q. How much perfume/cologne is acceptable to wear at work?

Click To Close [-] A. Perfume, cologne or aftershave should be applied sparingly, evoking a subtle scent. Strong fragrances, as well as, inexpensive or "cheap" fragrances are often offensive to business associates and therefore inappropriate in a professional venue.

Q. What is the best way to utilize a home-office (SOHO) telephone system?

Click To Close [-] A. If you have a home-based business...Install a second line for business-use only and have an automatic answering system that picks up automatically if you are on the other line. Therefore, eliminating busy signals and portraying a professional image to your clients.

The Solution

Most behavior that is perceived as disrespectful,discourteous or abrasive is unintentional,and could have been avoided by practicing good manners or etiquette. We ve always found that most negative experiences with someone were unintentional and easily repaired by keeping an open mind and maintaining open,honest communication. Basic knowledge and practice of etiquette is a valuable advantage,because in a lot of situations,a second chance may not be possible or practical. There are many written and unwritten rules and guidelines for etiquette,and it certainly behooves a business person to learn them. The caveat is that there is no possible way to know all of them! These guidelines have some difficult-to-navigate nuances,depending on the company,the local culture,and the requirements of the situation. Possibilities to commit a faux pas are limitless,and chances are,sooner or later,you ll make a mistake. But you can minimize them,recover quickly,and avoid causing a bad impression by being generally considerate and attentive to the concerns of others,and by adhering to the basic rules of etiquette. When in doubt,stick to the basics.

The Basics
The most important thing to remember is to be courteous and thoughtful to the people around you, regardless of the situation. Consider other people s feelings, stick to your convictions as diplomatically as possible. Address conflict as situation-related, rather than person-related. Apologize when you step on toes. You can t go too far wrong if you stick with the basics you learned in Kindergarten. (Not that those basics are easy to remember when you re in a hard-nosed business meeting!) This sounds simplistic,but the qualities we admire most when we see them in people in leadership positions,those are the very traits we work so hard to engender in our children. If you always behave so that you would not mind your spouse,kids,or grandparents watching you,you re probably doing fine. Avoid raising your voice (surprisingly,it can be much more effective at getting attention when lower it!) using harsh or derogatory language toward anyone (present or absent),or interrupting. You may not get as much airtime in meetings at first,but what you do say will be much more effective because it carries the weight of credibility and respectability. The following are guidelines and tips that we ve found helpful for dealing with people in general,in work environments,and in social situations.

It s About People
Talk and visit with people. Don t differentiate by position or standing within the company. Secretaries and janitorial staff actually have tremendous power to help or hinder your career. Next time you need a document prepared or a conference room arranged for a presentation,watch how many people are involved with that process (you ll probably be surprised!) and make it a point to meet them and show your appreciation. Make it a point to arrive ten or fifteen minutes early and visit with people that work near you. When you re visiting another site,linger over a cup of coffee and introduce yourself to people nearby. If you arrive early for a meeting,introduce yourself to the other participants. At social occasions,use the circumstances of the event itself as an icebreaker. After introducing yourself,ask how they know the host or how they like the crab dip. Talk a little about yourself- your hobbies,kids,or pets;just enough to get people to open up about theirs and get to know you as a person. Keep notes on people. There are several contact management software applications that are designed for salespeople,but in business,nearly everyone is a salesperson in some capacity or another. They help

you create a people database with names,addresses,phone numbers,birthdays,spouse and children s names;whatever depth of information is appropriate for your situation. It s a good idea to remember what you can about people;and to be thoughtful. Send cards or letters for birthdays or congratulations of promotions or other events,send flowers for engagements,weddings or in condolence for the death of a loved one or family member. People will remember your kindness,probably much longer than you will!

Peers and Subordinates

Impressing the boss isn t enough. A 1997 study by Manchester Partners International,says even in this tight job market,40% of new management hires fail in their first jobs. The key reason for their failure is their inability to build good relationships with peers and subordinates. Social rank or class is a cornerstone of social interaction in many cultures. The corporate climate in the United States is no exception. People tend to feel uneasy until they ve seen an organizational chart or figured out who reports to whom. They feel that it is more important to show respect and practice etiquette around superiors than around peers or subordinates. The current social and economic climate is one of rapid advancement through technology,which make it very possible (and even likely) for a pesky salesman to become an important client,or an administrative assistant to become a manager. Mergers and acquisitions add to this class mixing, causing a former competitor to become a coworker overnight. This can make things awkward if you treat people differently depending on their corporate standing. If you show respect and courtesy to everyone,regardless of position or company,you avoid discomfort or damaging your chances in any unexpected turn of events. Having a consistent demeanor improves your credibility. Even the people at the top will begin to suspect your motives if you treat VIPs with impeccable courtesy and snap at counter clerks.

Superiors
The only thing you owe your boss above and beyond what you owe peers and subordinates is more information. Unobtrusively be sure he or she knows what you re doing,is alerted as early as possible to issues that may arise,and is aware of outcomes and milestones. Never surprise your boss. It goes without saying that you should speak well of him or her within and outside the company,and give him or her the benefit of the doubt. (Which you would do for anyone,of course!)

International Business
The information in this article is presented from a Western point of view. It is important to note that etiquette in other cultures requires a bit of adaptation and flexibility. If you re travelling on business to a

foreign destination,or have visitors here,it is a good idea to learn as much as you can about the culture they are coming from and make appropriate allowances. Items to consider: y y y y y Language (make an effort to learn theirs if possible, but don t pretend to be fluent unless you have many years of study under your belt!) Time zones Working schedules Holidays Food customs (table manners,use of implements,etc.)

Generally speaking,as long as you are trying to be considerate and express an interest in learning,you should be fine. If in doubt,err on the conservative,formal side.

The Workplace
The remainder of this article is divided into two sections- The Workplace and Social Situations. The division is really for convenience only,since with less formal workplaces and more business seeming to take place in social situations now than ever before,the lines get blurred.

Meetings
If a subject is important enough to call a meeting,be considerate of the participants time and ensure that it is well prepared. Communicate beforehandy y y The objective The expected duration ( Be sure to observe the ending time scrupulously,unless everyone agrees to continue.) Items expected to be discussed

Often overlooked- be sure to THANK meeting members for their time and participation,and demonstrate (in the minutes or written record,at least) how their contributions helped meet the objective of the meeting. Participants are frequently left wondering if they ve been heard or if their attendance and contributions were noticed. Distribute minutes or some written record (no matter how simple the meeting) to all attendees and absentees,with concise but complete descriptions of decisions made and including action items. Never assign an action item to a person who is not present to negotiate it,unless you absolutely have to. Note in the minutes that the person hasn t been notified,and will be contacted for a final disposition of the item.

The Phone
Always return calls. Even if you don t yet have an answer to the caller s question,call and explain what you re doing to get the requested information,or direct them to the appropriate place to get it.

If you re going to be out,have someone pick up your calls or at a minimum,have your answering system tell the caller when you ll be back in the office and when they can expect a call back. When you initiate a call and get a receptionist or secretary,identify yourself and tell them the basic nature of your call. That way,you ll be sure you re getting the right person or department and the person you re trying to reach will be able to pull up the appropriate information and help you more efficiently. When you re on the receiving end of a phone call,identify yourself and your department. Answer the phone with some enthusiasm or at least warmth,even if you ARE being interrupted,the person on the other end doesn t know that! Make sure your voice mail system is working properly and doesn t tell the caller that the mailbox is full,transfer them to nowhere,or ring indefinitely. Address technical and system problems- a rude machine or system is as unacceptable as a rude person. You don t have to reply to obvious solicitations. If someone is calling to sell you something,you can indicate that you are not interested and hang up without losing too much time on it. However,you do need to be careful. You may be receiving a call from an insurance or long distance company that wants to hire you as a consultant! Be sure you know the nature of the call before you (politely,of course) excuse yourself. Personalize the conversation. Many people act in electronic media (including phone,phone mail,and email) the way they act in their cars. They feel since they re not face-to-face with a person,it is perfectly acceptable to be abrupt,crass,or rude. We need to ensure that we make best use of the advantages of these media without falling headfirst into the disadvantages.

E-mail
Make the subject line specific. Think of the many messages you re received with the generic subject line, Hi or Just for you. Don t forward messages with three pages of mail-to information before they get to the content. In the message you forward,delete the extraneous information such as all the Memo to, subject,addresses,and date lines. When replying to a question,copy only the question into your e-mail,then provide your response. You needn t hit reply automatically,but don t send a bare message that only reads, Yes. It s too blunt and confuses the reader. Address and sign your e-mails. Although this is included in the To and From sections,remember that you re communicating with a person,not a computer. DON T TYPE IN ALL CAPS. IT S TOO INTENSE,and you appear too lazy to type properly. This is still a written medium. Follow standard writing guidelines as a professional courtesy.

Interruptions
Avoid interruptions (of singular or group work sessions,meetings,phone calls,or even discussions) if at all possible. Most management folks feel free to interrupt informal working sessions of subordinates,but need to realize that they may be interrupting a brainstorming session that will produce the company s next big success.

Always apologize if you must interrupt a conversation,meeting,or someone s concentration on a task. Quickly state the nature of what you need,and show consideration for the fact that you are interrupting valuable work or progress.

Guests, Consultants and New Employees

If you have a new employee,guest,or consultant working at your company for a day,week,or longer,be sure that that person has the resources and information that he or she needs to do the job. This isn t just courtesy,it s good business,since time spent flailing around looking for things is embarrassing to the consultant and expensive for your company.. Give a consultant or guest the same type of workspace as an employee at your company in a similar role. A consultant who is there to do programming should have,if at all possible,the same size cube,type of computer equipment,etc. as an employee programmer would have in your company. This prevents your employees from feeling looked down-upon,and the consultant from feeling singled out or treated as second-rate. A guest from a regulatory agency will tend to want to know what s really going on in the company. By treating him or her like everyone else,(instead of isolating them in a plush office in a far wing,for example) will raise less suspicion and enable them to get the information they need more efficiently. Appoint an employee to be a buddy to a guest or consultant to ensure that they are introduced around, shown the ropes, and have someone to help resolve little logistical problems that may arise and cause non-productivity or embarrassment.

Appreciation/Credit
Always pass along credit and compliments to EVERYONE who made a contribution to the effort. Speak well of your coworkers and always point out their accomplishments to any interested party. Appearing to have taken the credit in a superiors or customers eyes is the surest way to sabotage a relationship with a coworker.

Dress/Appearance
It can be insulting to your coworkers or clients to show a lack of concern about your appearance. Being wrinkled,unshaven,smelly or unkempt communicates (intentionally or not) that you don t care enough about the situation,the people or the company to present yourself respectably. If in doubt,always err on the side of conservative. If you think jeans may be OK for a social event but aren t sure,show up in ironed khakis and a nice golf shirt. If you think a situation may call for dress slacks,wear a dress shirt and tie. If you have any inkling that a suit may be called for,dress to the nines. Women s clothing is a bit more complicated,but again,err on the side of conservative and dressy. Always practice impeccable grooming (even in a jeans environment!)

Social Settings

Many impressions formed during a party,dinner or golf game can make or break a key business arrangement,whether or not business is discussed directly. Always carry business cards. Arrive at a party at the stated time or up to 30 minutes later. (Not earlier than the stated time,under any circumstances.)

Introductions
Before an event,use your address book or your people database to refresh your memory about the people you are likely to meet. If you forget someone s name,you can sometimes cover by introducing a person you do know first. Do you know my Joe Smith,one of our account reps? which will usually get the unknown person to introduce him or herself. If this doesn t work,an admission that you ve had a mental block is preferable to obvious flailing around.

Table Manners
These apply to the Americas and most of Europe. If you re elsewhere,do some research beforehand. The fork goes on the left. The spoon and knife go on the right. Food items go on the left,so your bread plate is on your left. Drinks,including coffee cups,should be on the right. When sitting at a banquet table,you may begin eating when two people to your left and right are served. If you haven t been served,but most of your table has,encourage others to start. Reach only for items in front of you,ask that other items be passed by a neighbor. Offer to the left;pass to the right,although once things start being passed,go with the flow. This is a lot to consider,and there s a lot more out there. Volumes of information have been written on what is right and correct in business etiquette. It s enough to make veterans and newcomers too insecure to deal with people. Since you re human,(we re assuming!) there will be times when you step on toes,forget an important name,pop off with a harsh comment,or (heaven forbid!) use the wrong fork. We all do. Think about the outtakes scenes at the end of some movies where we see how many times it took to get things perfect,even when everyone was performing to a script! This is real life,there are no scripts,and we re all making it up as we go along. The important thing to remember is that if you strive to make the people around you feel comfortable and valued,you have succeeded whether you re perfectly in compliance with these or any rules you ve read.

How To Practice Proper Workplace and Office Etiquette

When working in an office all day, it's important to showcase good manners and proper office etiquette. The way you work or talk on the phone at home is one thing, but when you share an office with others, you need to be conscientious and respectful. Business etiquette is just one part of what you can learn by taking online business courses. As someone who wants to get ahead in the office, you need this freeregistration information for some greatonline schools, so click here. But while you are in the office, you are part of a diverse group, with different backgrounds,

values and duties, sharing the same workspace. A congenial, harmonious atmosphere can improve productivity and make the workplace a more enjoyable place to be. Use these basic office etiquette and manners tips to help you act appropriately in the workplace.
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Monitor the volume of your conversations. Be sensitive to how loudly you may be speaking. Do you notice that people down the hall comment on your conversations? That might indicate your voice is too loud. Telephone etiquette at the office is very important because if your voice is too loud or the conversation is something private, it can be disruptive to those around you. Consider closing your office door and lowering your voice whenever speaking in person or on the telephone. If you work in a cubicle-type workspace this awareness is even more critical. Keep personal telephone conversations -- and emails -- brief and at a minimum. Be ever mindful that others are nearby and that this is a place of business. Do not use the company telephone, fax, or email, for any inappropriate and personal matters. Avoid the urge to be "helpful" in areas best left to the other person to handle on their own. In some workplaces, privacy is difficult to find. If you overhear a privateconversation, practice selective hearing. Your best bet for being treated as a professional at work is to keep all workplace conversations professional. Sharing professional information is wonderful, gossiping is not. Only discuss personnel matters directly with specific individuals, superiors, and management. And always keep in mind business etiquette concerning confidentiality. NOTE: For an informational sheet on "Gossip" please write to Info@AdvancedEtiquette.com. Be sensitive to scents and smells surrounding you. This rule does not only apply to workplace etiquette but social etiquette in general. Save cologne and perfume for social occasions, and ask if fresh flowers and potpourri bother co-workers before installing them in your space.

Avoid foods with strong smells and aromas that will travel throughout the office.When eating at your desk or in shared areas, as great as french fries, Chinese food, and Indian food are, smelling them together in the same room and office can become unpleasant. Office etiquette rules suggest that you dispose of empty food containers and other items where they won't contribute negatively to the office atmosphere. Keep your personal workspace clean and neat at all times. Generally, less is better when it comes to office and cubicle decor. Use discretion when displaying personal items such as family photos and mementos so as not to overdo, clutter, and obstruct your work area. Use shared areas with respect and courtesy. Workplace kitchens can be the biggest source of co-worker tension. If you expect everyone you work with to clean up after themselves, model that behavior yourself. Some basic business etiquette tips are to wash and return all kitchen items to their proper place, clean spills, and wipe countertops and tables as needed. Help maintain supplies as needed. When leaving food items in a shared refrigerator, mark all items with your name and date. Remove all items at the end of your work week and toss or recycle empty containers. Restrooms run a close second to kitchens as annoyance spots. After use, wipe the countertop and sink of any spilled water or soap. Be sure the toilet is clean for the next user. Notify the proper person if supplies are low or out, and of any plumbing problems. Maintain all shared items in "like new" condition and return borrowed supplies.Leave the photocopier in working condition and be sure to take back that borrowed stapler with at least a

few staples left inside. When you use up paper in the printer, load it for the next person. If a machine stalls or jams, take time to undo the jam or to alert the proper person to attend to it. We all expect and want to be able to use items and equipment when needed. Keep cool when the office atmosphere gets "hot." Misunderstandings and other workplace frustrations can sometimes cause tempers to boil over. Try to clear up any issues before they escalate. Habitually inconsiderate individuals are probably not going to change their behavior, but you can change your reaction and not take it personally. Take a moment and think clearly about what you want to say in a sensitive situation. Accentuate the positive. Business etiquette includes the positive as well. Offer real compliments to those who deserve it for their work. Keep it simple and honest. In today's understaffed workplace, we often only hear about the things we do wrong.

Guidelines and rules on the proper way to behave at work, how to practice good business etiquette, and how to make a good impression on your boss and coworkers.
There are proper ways to behave in any social situation. Proper etiquette is to be followed when dining out, attending a wedding or funeral, giving gifts and even saying "thank you." Did you know there's also proper etiquette to be followed when working in an office? When it comes to business, you're a reflection of your company. If you meet with a client and you're wrinkled, unkempt, loud or have a foul mouth, the chances are good that this client will want nothing to do with your corporation. Even if you don't deal with the public, there are general guidelines to follow. For instance, if you spend half your time gossiping about other workers, arriving late, or talking on the phone, not only will you look bad, but your co-workers will view you with resentment, causing bad morale. Below are some ways you can practice good office etiquette. Pay attention to your appearance - If you show up to work every day with a wrinkled shirt, uncombed hair or dirty fingernails, it will be noticed. Who do you think your supervisor is going to choose to represent the company on a business trip or in a meeting? The person wearing sneakers and T-shirt, or a co-worker who always shows up for work with well-groomed features and freshly ironed clothes? Unclutter your desk - Your desk or cubicle should be an extension of yourself. If it's messy and cluttered, you'll probably have difficulty locating necessary items. In addition, business associates will not regard you in a favorable light due to the untidiness of your workspace. No one likes to wait while a co-worker attempts to unearth a missing item from under a mound of papers. It's best to keep desk clutter to a minimum. Be on time - If you're late on a regular basis, people notice. While everyone has the occasional tardy morning, it's not fair to your co-workers to feel the rules don't pertain to you. If you have trouble leaving the house on time, or seem to always be missing connections, perhaps you should wake up earlier to remedy the situation. The same holds true for business meetings. It is never a good idea to arrive late for a business meeting. Someone has taken time out of his or her busy schedule to meet with you; the least you can do is show up on time. If you are late because your train is delayed or there's a traffic jam, call ahead to explain your tardiness. Never intentionally keep a client, or anyone else for that matter, waiting. The greeting - There's a saying, "you never get a second chance to make a good first impression." No where is this more true than in the office. When meeting people for the first time, it's good practice to use eye contact and a firm handshake and tell the other person how nice it is to meet him or her. If you

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already know the person, but others in your environment don't, it's necessary to make the proper introductions. Pay attention - Whether in a meeting, on the phone or sitting in a co-workers office, pay attention. It's very bad form to be caught with your mind wandering or to have no clue as to what actually took place. Be a good listener and take notes. Don't interrupt unless you absolutely have to. Telephone etiquette - Just as they would resent someone who's constantly tardy, coworkers also have issues with those who spend most of their time on personal phone calls. Not only are they disruptive, but it's unfair to have pleasant chats while those around you are working. It's good business to keep personal phone calls to a minimum and to keep cell phones turned off during business hours. In addition, there are ways to conduct yourself on the phone when you're speaking with clients. Never talk with food in your mouth, use foul language, or leave the party on the other end hanging on eternal hold. No matter whom you're talking to, try not to talk so loud that everyone in the office can hear every word of your conversation. This is distracting and inconsiderate, as is the use of a speakerphone. Try to avoid this as much as possible.

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here are my business etiquette pet peeves: 1. No multitasking while talking. If you are in a face-to-face conversation with someone at work, you should not text, email or answer unimportant calls. 2. Take off the headphones. Unless you can do your work by yourself, ditch the headphones especially in halls and other public places. 3. Remember, please and thank you are the magic words. When customers call, they should not be thanking you, you should be thanking them. 4. Treat guests like guests. Someone who walks into your shop should be treated like the guest they are. They are not a pain, bother or annoyance. 5. Respect punctuality. Ten people should not have to wait to start a meeting just because one person hasnt learned how to be on time. I once worked at a place where the meeting room door was locked one minute after the meeting began. Harsh? Sure. But people were rarely late to those meetings.

You would not believe how some of these people speak and act, he said of salespeople at businesses he frequents. They dont know how to answer the phone, they text while talking to

you, and when you walk in, they dont greet you appropriately. They dont even seem to know how to say please and thank you. Do I need to mention that he is in his 50s and he was mostly referring to younger workers? No, I dont think I do. But it is valid nonetheless. And I must say, I share some of his concern. And so, after speaking with some etiquette experts, I came up with the Top 10 Business Etiquette Blunders to avoid:
1. No multitasking while talking. If you are in a face-to-face conversation with someone at work, you should not text, email or answer unimportant calls. 2. Take off the headphones. Unless you can do your work by yourself, ditch the headphones especially in halls and other public places. 3. Avoid being too casual. Yes, we are living in a far more casual work environment than a decade ago, but casual is not the same as sloppy. Your team needs to know what is and is not appropriate dress. What does business casual mean at your workplace?

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Additionally, casual dress can lead to a casual attitude. That can be good, but make sure your employees remember that they are at work, not home. The rules are different. Want more etiquette best practices? Check these out: 5 Often-Forgotten Social Media Etiquette Rules 9 Ways to Make a Great First Impression Likeability: It's an Inside Job
4. Dont cause cubicle claustrophobia. People need their space, especially when they work in an ill-defined cubicle situation. Grant them their privacy. Knock before entering their cubicle. Dont eavesdrop on their calls. Avoid peeking into their area. Dont snoop. 5. Answer the phones respectfully. Your receptionist is vital to your brand. As they say, you dont get a second chance to make a great first impression, and that often comes from your receptionist. Help them help you. 6. Remember, please and thank you are the magic words. Do you remember that childhood song? We used to sing it to our kids. Today we need to sing it to our employees. When customers call, they should not be thanking you, you should be thanking them.

Consider having a best practices meeting where everyone is reminded of the importance of using the magic words with each other, and especially the public.

7. Institute email rules. Email is now the dominant form of business communication and should be treated as such. Some uniform policies help everyone stay on track. 8. Treat guests like guests. Someone who walks into your shop should be treated like the guest they are. They are not a pain, bother or annoyance. 9. Respect punctuality. Ten people should not have to wait to start a meeting just because one person hasnt learned how to be on time. I once worked at a place where the meeting room door was locked one minute after the meeting began. Harsh? Sure. But people were rarely late to those meetings. 10. Dont eat others food.

Their food is their food. And while you are at it, clean up after yourself, dont leave spoiled food in the fridge, and repay people when you borrow a buck to buy a soda.