Professional Etiquette At The Workplace

Professional Etiquette A Presentation by Rajiv Bajaj

What is Etiquette?
Webster’s II New College Dictionary: The forms and practices prescribed by social convention or by authority
Oxford Reference Dictionary: The code of polite behaviour in a society
“ The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” - Merriam Webster Dictionary

Also means behaving in an acceptable manner and being considerate of others…
When asked, “Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one’s life ?”, Confucius said, “It is perhaps the word ‘shu’ - Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire .”
Be considerate

Etiquettes & Manners are your Soft Skills…
Your Hard or Technical skills can get you a job…
But what keeps you climbing the ladder of success are your Soft Skills & Etiquettes..

People often speak of good manners as an accomplishment . One should speak of them as a duty
But what are good manners?
Such manners that society recognizes as being agreeable & acceptable to men…
… Manners that replace rudeness, crudeness and coarseness with gentle behaviour and finesse

Every individual should observe the laws of politeness
It is the expression of good-will and kindness
It promotes both – beauty & gentleness in the person who possesses it; and happiness in those who are about him
It is a duty , and should be a part of every formal training

Business & Workplace Etiquette
“ Treat People as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being ”

Business & Workplace Etiquettes -

Showing Respect
We all want respect , no matter what age we are, no matter what position we hold or what job function we do
The key is to know that each person , no matter how long they've worked or how adept their skill-set, deserves respect , because we are all human beings

Some Rules…
Address people by their formal name when meeting them for the first time , unless introduced to them only by their first name
Address everyone formally until they ask you to use their first name
Do this with everyone you meet, it's a sign of respect

Introduce everyone , no matter who they are
To break barriers between different age-groups, genders and nationalities, make people feel valued
The best way to do this is to introduce people to others whenever the opportunity presents itself
Introducing others shows you’re etiquette savvy and helps you make important allies too

Be the first to extend your hand for a handshake, and look the person in the eye
This small act of courtesy goes a long way in making sure all people work well together

Give a good handshake that conveys the message, "Welcome! I'm open to engage in conversation with you!"
Limp handshake ? Work on improving it ,as instead of showing your warmth, confidence and charm it exposes your lack of it !

Say " Please " and " Thank you "!
This little courtesy is vital to show respect
It makes people understand you appreciate what they can do or have done for you
Forgetting a basic courtesy such as a "please" or "thank you" shows lack of appreciation and concern for others which is disrespectful and degrading

Never interrupt someone
In casual work environments, people can easily forget basic courtesy, and interruption can sometimes becomes a real problem
Remember that it’s always rude to interrupt , especially when someone is making an important point or addressing a group

Walking unannounced or uninvited into someone’s office is another form of interruption , and it makes a bad impression
You may not need to make an appointment to see your boss or a colleague, but you should always make sure the person is not busy when you want to talk

Remember…
Start with consideration and respect
No matter whom you come in contact with, that person deserves being treated with respect and dignity
Even if you dislike someone for his or her behavior, you’ll come out on top if you maintain a respectful manner

" A true professional treats others with respect, and expects the same from them ."
This doesn't mean you have to let people step on you , but it does mean showing concern for their feelings, respecting their opinions, and being honest with them
If you think someone else is mistreating you, deal with it and tell them you won't tolerate disrespect."

Kindness
Anyone who thinks that kindness isn't a necessity in today's work environment isn't thinking
Kindness is one of the most important skills in dealing with people of all ages
Every living thing responds to kindness. Use this skill for good results in handling people
Help others whenever you possibly can

Help your juniors and subordinates… Don’t bully them or allow your peers to do so

Refrain from Gossip
Keep gossip or hurtful information to yourself
Do not spread rumors or encourage them
Gossiping is against the principles of kindness
Would you like someone to gossip about you?

Respect everyone’s privacy…
Do not eavesdrop on anyone. It is a RUDE thing to do !
Give each individual the space he or she is due, as you would expect to be given your own space and privacy
Respect their individuality and privacy

Do not encourage or indulge in politics at workplace …

Refrain from Politics !
Indulging in Office Politics is against the accepted norms of Etiquettes…
Refrain from getting involved in such politics

Integrity
Maintain your integrity at all times
When you make a promise or give your word, you need to follow through on it
If you are unable to keep the promise or fulfill the commitment, you must be prepared to make amends and set things right

Remember…
Trust is fragile ...
Very easily broken and very difficult to regain
Only People with integrity are the people we can trust !

Mind Your Language !
Language counts
Your point won’t come across any better if you use rude, derogatory, or obscene language , no matter whom you’re addressing
Talk like a professional and you’ll be seen and treated as one

Choose Your Company Carefully…
Be careful which “crowd” you associate with
It may be more fun to hang out with the group that talks loudly, cracks jokes, and ridicules coworkers, but doing so could leave a bad impression with the boss & others

It’s nice to fit in, especially when you have to spend so much time with the same people...
But the office isn’t a place where you hang out with friends and get boisterous. It’s a place to get work done !!

Keep your productivity high… You are paid to work, so work ! No goofing in office hours !

Practice

Leave gender out of the equation
Coworkers are peers, regardless of gender
Be sensitive towards female colleagues
Of course, dirty jokes, off-color remarks, and discussion of certain private matters are an absolute no-no . Period.

AT THE WORKPLACE MUST NOT BE TOLERATED OR ENCOURAGED

Sexual harassment has no place at work, or for that matter, in civilised society
Do not allow or tolerate such behaviour
If you observe such behaviour, speak out against it
Remember, it is also a punishable offence !

Gender Discrimination
Do not discriminate against female colleagues. Allow them equal opportunities
Be aware that what men can do, women can also do , and maybe even do it better !
Respect them as equals and acknowledge their contribution

Office Equipment
It’s there to make your work easier… Use it judiciously
Handle all office equipment carefully
Care for it as you would for anything that you owned
Remember, misuse of office equipment leads to breakdowns, affecting your productivity

Misuse of equipment also includes using it for your personal work
Office Telephones, Computers, Photocopiers, Transport & Stationery items etc are meant for Official use only
Avoid using them for your personal work
Respect the trust that your employer has placed in you… do not violate it

Always keep these basics in mind…
Understand that nobody is born with these etiquettes. One has to study & learn them
They can also be learnt by observing others and imbibed… by the process of Vicarious Learning
But neither are these difficult to learn or put into practice

And… … YOUR decision !

All it takes is the right Attitude !
Do you have it in you ?

Thank You ! Questions ?

Professional Etiquette At The Workplace

by Rajiv Bajaj on Oct 30, 2011

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Professional Etiquette At The Workplace — Presentation Transcript