Every profession requires a certain set of manners. It is these manners that are known as professional business etiquette. It is, as a rule, observed by absolutely all members of the organization.
One has only to think for a moment what communication in the working circle would be like if professional etiquette was not respected. It is unlikely that business partners would be able to reach agreements under adverse conditions, and colleagues simply would not respect each other's opinion and position. It is worth considering what are the basics of professional and office etiquette, what they are based on and what their task is.
What is it and why follow?
Business etiquette is the ability to maintain a pleasant atmosphere at work, a polite and respectful attitude towards management, colleagues and subordinate employees. The rules of professional etiquette may vary slightly from one organization to another. However, there are some universal provisions that apply almost everywhere and for most professional industries.
Goalprofessional ethics and office etiquette is building valuable and respectable business relationships with colleagues and partners. This moment is very important for any company or enterprise, as it creates an environment in which all members of the organization feel safe, comfortable and relaxed.
Now that it has become clear what business etiquette is for, it is worth considering what its basic rules are. Having memorized them, any person will be able to appear before partners and colleagues in the form of a polite interlocutor with whom it is pleasant to deal.
Always get up when performing
In the office or just in a business environment, everyone should stand up when they are introduced to someone or introduced in the company of several people. If a person is unable to stand up due to being taken by surprise, they should at least try to lean forward or reach out for a handshake.
Thanks should be appropriate and discreet
Many people often make a mistake in the process of expressing gratitude to colleagues or partners. If the word "thank you" is repeated several times, it will lose its value.
When a person is rendered a service, he tries to emphasize that it is important and pleasant for him, but sometimes emotions take over and expression of gratitude turns into a stream of useless showering of compliments and honors. However, professional ethics and etiquette do not accept this. It is important to remember that you cannot thank a person fortalking more than once or (maximum) twice, otherwise it will make the thanksgiving person look a little desperate and helpless.
Before you enter someone's office, you need to knock
A person's office is his personal space. You should not violate someone's boundaries by simply breaking into it. A knock on the door is a signal that the door will now open and someone will come in. A person has a few seconds to interrupt work, tune in and pay attention to the incoming.
Never enter unannounced. If we are talking about work, then no one has absolutely no right to interrupt someone's work with a careless appearance, because a person at a particular moment is performing his functions that were entrusted to him. It is important to respect other people's space and privacy.
If the door to the office is open (but it is clear that the person is immersed in work), you should warn about your appearance. To do this, you just need to gently knock on the doorway.
Crossing legs should be avoided
Crossing your legs in a business setting or during a meeting is highly inappropriate. Although both men and women tend to do it very often. However, this pose should be avoided at all costs.
If for some reason you really need to cross your legs, it's important to make sure you cross at the ankles and not at the knees. Experienced businessmen or just professional managers know that crossing legs or arms is a signal that a person is simplydoes not want to continue communication or does not agree with the opinions of others. But why give others the opportunity to read themselves by gestures, like an open book? It is better not to compromise yourself with your own behavior and keep your composure in any situation.
The index sign must be made with an open palm
The pointing gesture is often used in business environments. It can be used by a person when he wants to draw the attention of listeners to something (a graph, a document, a table, etc.) or to point to someone. As a rule, the second option is used most often by commanding staff or senior managers.
No matter what the implication of this gesture is, it must be done so that the index finger points at the object, the other fingers are not pressed against the palm, and the palm itself is open up. Thus, the pointing gesture will be more gentle and will not cause bad associations.
Don't interrupt anyone
The opinion of any employee can be of great importance in the work, and everyone (to the best of their authority) can express comments in a group discussion. However, one should observe the limits of decency and speak according to the approved (openly or secretly) regulations.
If there is a need to object or supplement the speech of the speaking person, then, according to professional communication etiquette, you need to wait until there is an opportunity to speak. But you shouldn't interrupt other people.
You need to watch what you say
Everyonemay encounter a situation where a colleague or subordinate causes extreme irritation. No matter how dire the situation may be, you need to remain calm and watch your words.
If we talk about profanity or obscene words, this is an absolute taboo from the point of view of professional etiquette. Always verbal and written communication should be polite and respectful. It is important to control yourself and not allow rudeness, humiliation or disdain for colleagues, subordinates or business partners in your expressions.
Need to stay away from gossip
It can be very tempting to indulge in office gossip, but remember to stay away from it. Gossiping about colleagues not only ruins their image in the organization, but also shows that the people who talk about them are no better.
Even if curiosity is tempting, don't join colleagues who discuss rumors about other people. You should especially refrain from commenting.
Punctuality matters
No matter how busy a person is or how high his position in the organization, you should always be on time for meetings and meetings. Being late indicates that a person is inattentive and does not respect other people's time.
If for some reason you have to be late, it is better to warn about it. You can do this yourself or through a personal assistant.
You should keep your phone away duringnegotiations and meetings
You cannot receive calls, reply to text messages and view emails during business meetings. This is extremely irritating to others and indicates disrespectful attitude towards other people present at the meeting.
You should also keep your phone on silent when attending meetings, business meetings, or meetings. This will give confidence that a sudden call will not interfere with other participants in the meeting and will not confuse the speaker.
Don't push a chair for your partners or colleagues
In a social setting, it is acceptable for a man to woo a girl when she sits down at the table. To do this, he goes to the back of a chair and pulls it up as she sits down.
However, in a professional atmosphere, this is unacceptable and rude, especially outside the CIS countries. According to professional etiquette, men and women are considered equal in the workplace.
You can't leave the event before the leader does
It is absolutely rude and unacceptable for a subordinate to leave a corporate event or party before the commanding staff leaves. As a rule, directors do not linger on general festivities.
Therefore, if a person does not want or cannot stay with the team for any reason, you need to wait until the boss leaves the event. After that, you can apologize and leave the meeting place.
Food etiquette
Food should only be consumed in canteens or cafes. Dine at the workplace, according to professional etiquette, is considered tactless. Especially if the workspace has to be shared with other colleagues.
If for some reason it is not possible to get to the dining room, it is important to make sure that the food that will have to be eaten in the office does not have an unpleasant smell. Also, in such a situation, it is imperative to clean up after yourself immediately after the meal.
Conclusion
This article presented the basic rules of professional etiquette, which are recognized throughout the world. Of course, in different countries they will be supplemented based on local customs or cultural characteristics. However, the most important thing for any business person is to know the basis of business ethics, and some nuances can be perfected during their professional activities.
