Professional etiquette defined, its importance and how can it be exhibited in the workplace and its importance in business communication .

1. PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE
INTRODUCTION TO BASICS
PART 1
09/05/17
PREPARED BY – C MAMBONDIANI SASA

2. PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE DEFINED
• Rules governing socially acceptable behaviour
• The conduct or procedure prescribed by authority to
be observed in social or official life .
• How professional you are can be evident in the way
you behave , speak ,listen and treat others, successful
people have mustered the art and always give
positive first impressions.

3. BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

4. PROFESSIONAL ETIQUETTE IN-DEPTH
SOURCE: SOVICK SANTRA (2010)

5. WHY IS ETIQUETTE IMPORTANT IN THE
WORKPLACE?
• Reduces workplace tensions and employee stress
• Avoidance of misunderstandings & confrontations
• Promotes job satisfaction and motivation
• Increases productivity and creates positive minded employees
• Creates a pleasant and healthy working environment
• Makes an organisation organised and in a uniform way

6. 3 Bs TO A PRODUCTIVE AND HAPPY WORKPLACE
•Be courteous (considerate, well mannered, civil etc).
•Be kind (to everyone regardless of age, gender or position)
•Be polite (even in the most difficult circumstances)

7. ETIQUETTE BASICS
• Make sure you use of the appropriate tone , pitch of voice as well
as gestures /body language.
• While it might be difficult to keep personal emails as well as calls
extinct in the work place make sure they are minimal.
• During conversations in the workplace be it your superiors or juniors
never interrupt when someone is talking as this might be derogatory
, disrespectful and creates barriers to effective communication

8. ETIQUETTE BASICS
BEHAVIOUR
• Exhibit positive attitude and pleasant demeanour (deportment)
• Use a firm handshake and maintain good eye contact
• Be a good communicator by being a good listener
• Appropriate introductions introduce someone by their title and last name (Ms , Mrs, Mr &Dr)
(eg Mr. Jacobs , may I introduce mark jones. Mr. Jacobs is the CEO for DEE bakeries . Mark Jones is my friend."
• NB (do not call people with their titles you can only refer them with their titles)
• Do not be defensive ,owe up and take responsibility for your actions
• Show common respect and consideration of others

9. ETIQUETTE BASICS
• Never use slang terms in your work conversations
• Do not gossip
• Keep your workspace clean , neat and free from cluter at all times
• Cell phones should be put on vibration/ silent
• Do not use your cell phone when you are in a business meeting
• Remember cubicle conversations & calls can be heard by others so be
mindful of what you say.
• Keep all conversations as professional as possible

10. ETIQUETTE EVERYDAY

11. THE END
The author is the Quote Originator and Inspirational Speaker & Writer at #kiky`s2cents and a
General Manager for a Food and Beverages Company in Harare , Zimbabwe .