No-one wants to work in an environment which is unpleasant, unproductive and ripe for litigation, which is exactly what you will get where employees are rude, careless and dismissive. Such behaviour will spill over to customers and will eventually lead to legal proceedings and loss of business. Proper business etiquette practices must start from the top, but every employee should contribute towards promoting these values.
1. Everyone Has a Role
Remember that all the employees in your company and their jobs are interconnected, and that what happens to one, affects the other. Don’t treat any employee in such a way that, when you need him tomorrow, he has become disloyal because of your treatment of him.
2. Make Meetings Useful
When you call a meeting, keep other employees’ schedules in mind, and come to the meeting prepared and organised, so as not to waste people’s time. Thank everyone for their contributions and attendance, and be sure to send out minutes of the meeting with action items. If these are not necessary, it means that the meeting was not supposed to be held in the first place.
3. Prompt Communication
If you receive a call or email from a client or employee, tend to the matter as soon as possible. Even if you cannot make work of it right away, let the person know that it might take some time, but that you are looking into the matter.
4. Use of email
The speed of sending emails can lead to careless, sloppy writing and unprofessional appearance. Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation, as you would with any other written communication. Avoid unclear information or one-word answers, so that you can wrap the exchange up without too many emails being sent.
5. Respect Others’ Time
When you have to interrupt someone, try to do it at a time that suits them. Be polite and quick, so that he can get back to his work. Don’t interrupt meetings unless it is extremely urgent.
6. Dress for Success
It is always safer to be overdressed rather than underdressed. Take care with your appearance – it sends out a message of respect to your employer, co-workers and customers.
7. Keep Your Boss Informed
Don’t inundate your boss with compliments or always agree with him. Treat everyone with respect, but remember that your employer is your superior. Keep him informed of any setbacks, problems or developments you might experience, so that he is aware of your situation at all times.
8. Respect Other Cultures
If your company works across language, cultural and geographical borders, remember to treat others with respect. Try to learn at least the basic how-do-you-do’s in all the languages you do business in to demonstrate your desire for cooperation. Study different customs of greeting, eating and public holidays, for example, so that you display the correct behaviour.
9. Timelines
There are often timelines and deadlines in business which you have to keep. This means that you will sometimes have to forfeit teatime or shorten your lunch hour because you have more pressing matters to attend to.
10. Remember the Basics
The most important rule is to remember your basic manners, such as “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome”. Don’t raise your voice and never use offensive language.
This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied on as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice.
