BUSINESS ETIQUETTES
Its not about the rules: it’s about the
relationships.
Charlotte Moorefield
Liberty University
BUSI 472
Business Etiquettes… It’s not about
the rules…
Define Business Etiquettes
Value Associated With Etiquettes
First Impressions / Lasting Impressions
Proper Usage of Technology
Gossip and The Rumors
Seal the Deal
“In the best of times, etiquette can give you the edge over your
competition. In difficult times, manners will set you apart” (Ramsey,
2015).
Business Etiquettes
Business etiquettes can be defined as “expected
behaviors and expectations for individual actions
within society, group, or class. Within a place of
business, it involves treating coworkers and employer
with respect and courtesy in a way that creates a
pleasant work environment for everyone” (Business
Dictionary).
Value Associated With Etiquettes
Deal Maker or Deal
Breaker
First impressions can have a
lasting effect. If we want to be
taken seriously then we must
present ourselves in a
professional manner.
Courtesy and respect go along
ways in the working
environment. It is one of the
most basic elements of business
etiquette and may be the
deciding factor when closing a
deal.
The building of good
relationships with co-workers,
customers and management is
reliant on good etiquettes and
contributes to one’s individual
success.
Setting the Standard
Consider the feelings of others
and address conflicts in a
straightforward and
impersonal manner.
Accept the value of all, from
the CEO to the janitor because
we are a team, perhaps with
different titles, but all a part of
the team.
Apply the Golden Rule; “So in
everything, do to others what
you would have them do to
you” (Matthew 7-12).
First Impressions / Lasting Impressions
Communication: Avoid raising your voice, using bad language, and
interrupting others while they are speaking. This type of behavior can
only lead to lack of respect from your peers and credibility.
Be an effective communicator. Return phone calls and emails in a
timely manner. After all, no likes to be kept waiting.
When receiving a call, identify yourself and department. Try to connect
with the person on the other end by personalizing the conversation
with a simple how are you today or how may I assist you?
Emails should have a subject line and one should stay on topic. In other
words try to keep business emails from becoming personal or too
casual.
First Impressions / Lasting
Impressions
Dress appropriate for work. This shows that you care and that you take
both your job and yourself seriously. In other words dress for success.
When unsure of what attire is or is not appropriate, don’t be afraid to
ask. Dressing inappropriate can leave a bad impression and even worse,
you are sure to feel outer place.
Most companies have dress codes. This means there are guidelines
already in place. It is your responsibility to know what is appropriate for
your workplace.
Our appearance should reflects good grooming. No one wants to be
annoyed by unpleasant odors such as usage of heavy colognes or plain
out body odor.
Simple eye contact, a smile, or a simple response can go along way. The
take away from first impressions / lasting impressions is that first
impressions can have lasting effects, often images that you could have
avoided.
Proper Usage of Technology / Cell Phones
“Cell phones, smart phones and all their cousins has taken rudeness to a
new level (Ramsey, 2015). When we treat these devices with more
importance than our co-workers, customers and colleagues we are
failing at practicing good business etiquettes.
Don’t answer phone calls during meetings, which means simply turn the
ringer off. The distraction you create not only disrupts the flow of the
meeting, it leaves you looking inconsiderate.
Text messaging is another item to add to the not to do list. There is
nothing more annoying than someone texting while engaging in a
conversation with another. It leaves an impression that, perhaps your
conversation was not all that important.
Always make sure that text messaging is the best resource for conveying
company business. There are occasions when it may be appropriate,
however there are instances when it is not. Business etiquettes does
apply to our phones.
Don’t be the one uses technology to create distractions. Be the one who
sets the example by being considerate to others and knowing how and
when it should be used.
Gossip and The Rumors
Gossip in the workplace can have devastating effects. Feelings
can be hurt and yes, people can lose their job.
It’s always best to avoid the gossipers, if at all possible. When
unavoidable, then it would be wise to apply the “so what” rule. In
other words, your lack of interest speaks volume.
Don’t allow yourself to engage in the spreading of rumors. After
all who’s business is it anyway?
Always remember, it could be you that others are talking about
and the rumors are circulating about. Would you want to be put in
this position?
Seal the Deal
“Don’t reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You can’t have two sets of
manners, two social codes – one for those you admire and want to impress, another
for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people”
(Watson, 2015).
The practice of good business etiquette allows one to be portrayed as serious,
professional and in control. It demonstrates that you have respect for others and
go out of your way to be courteous because it is who you are. It allows the building
of lasting relationships through effective communication. It is the stepping stone to
success and cannot be achieved by ignoring the practice of good manners. Lisa
Magloff states, “Poor business etiquette can cost you the trust of your co-workers
and your customers, and the loss of business opportunity” (Magloff, 2015). The
success of the business is dependent on the excellence in etiquette. Those who are
treated well are surely to return.
“Business etiquette: it’s not about the rules; its about the relationship” (Ramsey,
2015).
“its about the relationship”
References
Business Etiquette. (2016). Retrieved JANUARY 29, 2016, from Business Dictionary:
www.businessdictionary.com/definition/business-etiquette.html
Magloff, L. (2015). Define Business Etiquette. Retrieved January 30, 2016, from Chron:
smallbusiness.chron/define-business-etiquette-2898.html
Quotations by Author. (2015). Retrieved January 29, 2016, from The Quotation Page:
www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Lillian_Eichler_Watson/
Ramsey, L. (2015). Business Etiquette - Deal Maker or Deal Breaker. Retrieved January
30, 2016, from Lydia Ramsey: America's Foremost Business Etiquette Expert
-Speaking, Training and Consulting: lydiaramsey.com/articles/business-etiquette/
