Certain rules and facts to be kept in mind for the new joiners at workplace

1. Business and
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.”

2. Generational Graciousness
It seems that today the rule is to break all the rules!
Unfortunately, when it comes to how we treat one
another, some people don't even know the rules. Or
maybe one generation knows them and another
generation doesn't. This can lead to challenges, upsets,
miscommunication and lack of fluidity in interpersonal
communications.

3. Basics of etiquettes
 The only way this challenge can be
overcome is to return to a few basics
that aren't so much about strict etiquette
rules, but more about good old-fashion
kindness. This will keep the courtesy
going and make working around
multigenerational mixes more productive
and profitable.

4. Respect
 The First Basic: Respect: We all want respect, no matter
what age we are. Not only for what we can contribute but
also for the simple fact that we have survived for any
length of time. The more mature worker may feel that the
years they have put in have earned them respect, while
the younger worker feels their skills and newly acquired
education earn them respect. Both are right. The
challenge is not to think that one is better than the other
in terms of who deserves more respect. 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 experiencing the human condition.

5. Show Respect

6. Rules
 . Call people by their formal name when meeting them for
the first time unless you are introduced to them by only
their first name. Otherwise address everyone formally
until they ask you to use their first name. Do this with
everyone you meet, it's a sign of respect and it's ageless.
 2. Introduce everyone, no matter who they are. If you
want to break down barriers, between different ages
groups, genders and nationalities, you need to make
people feel valued. The best way to do this is to introduce
people to each other whenever the opportunity presents
itself. Always over-introduce and you will show your
etiquette savvy and important allies too.

7. A few Respect Ideas
 . 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 generations work well together. In today's more
casual society some people have forgotten this very important
gesture. Everyone needs to learn to give a good handshake that
conveys the message, "Welcome! I'm open to engage in
conversation with you!" If you have a wimpy handshake, work on
improving it since this gesture will backfire if instead of showing
your confidence and charm you show your lack of it.
 Say "Please" and "Thank you"! This little courtesy is vital to show
respect, make people understand you are aware of what they can
and have done, and also to help you in all communications with
others. When a person forgets something as simple as a "please"
or "thank you" it shows lack of concern for others which is
disrespectful and degrading

8. Handshake

10. Say Thanks

11. The Second Basic - 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 and
good things will happen.

12. Help others

13. A few kindness ideas...
 1. Ask others if you can get them something
while you're up or while you're out. This will
show your willingness to help others and also
that you are thinking of more than yourself.
 2. Pick up after yourself so others don't have to.
This is a kindness no one will notice unless you
don't do it and then it will not only be noticed,
but talked about and resented.
 3. Keep gossip or hurtful information to yourself.
This is one of the most beneficial things for
everyone. Gossip is not kind. Would you like
someone to gossip about you?

14. The Third Basic - Integrity
 When we make a promise or give our
word we need to follow through on our
word. If we are unable to keep the
promise or fulfill the commitment, we
must be prepared to make things right.
Trust is a fragile thing...very easily
broken and very difficult to regain.
People who have integrity are people we
can trust.

15. Business Etiquette Essentials
 Experts suggest applying these basic guidelines to managing all
business relationships:
 Start with consideration and respect. No matter whom you come in
contact with, that person deserves respectful treatment. Even if you
dislike someone or his or her own behavior, you’ll come out on top if you
consider that person’s needs and maintain a respectful manner.
 Never interrupt. In casual work environments, people can easily forget
basic courtesy, and interruption 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.”

16. Business Etiquette Essentials
 Leave gender out of the equation. Coworkers are peers, regardless of gender. It
isn’t necessary to compliment a man’s attire or hold a door open for a woman. In
fact, some professionals see such behavior as insulting or demeaning. “People
confuse common courtesy with chivalry,” says Gregg. “If someone is struggling
with a load of books, it’s only polite to offer to help. But if a guy holds a door open
and says ‘After you, ladies,’ he may be viewed as a pig. The office is not the right
place for chivalry.” Of course, dirty jokes, off-color remarks, and discussion of
certain private matters are no-no’s, period.
 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 as one.
 Be careful which “crowd” you associate with. It may be more fun to hang out with
the group that talks loudly, cracks jokes, and makes fun of coworkers, but doing so
could leave a bad impression with the boss. “It’s nice to fit in “especially when you
have to spend so much time with the same people. But work isn’t a place where
you hang out with friends and laugh it up. It’s a place to get work done

17. Professionalism
 What is Professionalism?
 If you talk to a lot of different people, you'll find that the word
professionalism has many definitions—or, rather,
interpretations. But whether your job is mowing lawns, driving a
truck, managing a store, or running a large company, there are
common on-the-job traits that define any working person as a
true professional. In other words, the job doesn't make you a
professional, but your attitude does.
 Even though everyone recognizes a true professional in action,
there are many misconceptions about what constitutes
professionalism. If you don't take the right approach to this
important issue, then rest assured: your customers, colleagues,
and managers won't see you as a professional, no matter what
you think about yourself.
 Let's look at some popular interpretations of professionalism,
and some traits that all true professionals exhibit, regardless of
their occupation

18. FIRST, WHAT IT ISN'T
 What's the greatest misconception about professionalism? It's
probably the notion that professionalism is all about money.
 "There are lots of people who think 'I'm getting paid, so that
makes me a professional.' But that just isn't the case," says
Wendell Lamb, a certified public accountant who now runs a
thriving mortgage company. "They think they're professionals
because they're getting a paycheck. But they continue to act
like real amateurs in the workplace."
 Steve Gregg, a retired human resources director, agrees. "It
takes a lot more than compensation to make someone a
professional, no matter what kind of job they have. It doesn't
matter if you make a million dollars a year and have a corner
office. Professionalism is about a lot more than money." Gregg
says there are many highly trained, highly paid workers who are
considered anything but professional, for lots of different
reasons.

19. Money?

20. Is possessing Credentials
Professionalism?
 Like money, many people believe that credentials—such
as diplomas, degrees, and specialized certifications—
contribute to professionalism. But while credentials can
help, they don't mean a lot if a worker doesn't know how
to act.
 "Think about a furnace repairman who comes to your
home," says Gregg. "He may have patches all over his
truck, showing that he's certified and authorized in this
and that, and he may really know furnaces better than
anyone else. But if he treats you rudely or leaves a big
mess in your house, you probably won't think of him as a
professional. You probably won't want him to come back.“

21. Continued……………
 Lamb offers a similar example from his own
experience. "We rely heavily on our computer
systems," he says, "so we sent our IT manager
to school to get all sorts of certifications...in
networking, routers, security, you name it. He
kept the computer systems running great, but
everyone around here hated the guy because
he was arrogant and rude. He worked well with
technical stuff, but he had no idea how to
interact with people." Lamb eventually had to let
the person go, because his behavior was
consistently unprofessional

22. SO WHAT MAKES A
PROFESSIONAL
 Money, training, and status aside, many long-time workers and
managers will tell you that professionalism is a matter of attitude and
behavior. It means not just knowing how to do your job, but
demonstrating a willingness to learn, cooperating and getting along with
others, showing respect, and living up to your commitments. It also
means avoiding many kinds of behaviors that cause trouble in the
workplace.
 "It doesn't matter whether you're a ditch digger or the president of a
university," says Gregg. "If you behave the way people expect a
professional to behave, you'll be accepted and treated like one.“
 The benefits of acting professionally, he advises, can be substantial.
 Your managers will take you more seriously if you behave the way they
expect you to on the job," he says. "Otherwise, you're less likely to be
considered for promotions or important assignments. It's the people
who exhibit amateurish behavior who spend their career at the bottom
of the totem pole

23. Is this Professionalism ?

24. Learn It
 Of course, like other life skills, professionalism
is something you learn; you don't just "become"
a professional overnight. The keys, according to
Gregg, are practice and self-awareness.
 "Pay attention to your own behavior at work,"
he advises, "as well as the way others behave.
Whom do you see as real professionals? How
does your behavior differ from theirs?" Take
notice of your colleagues who are most
respected and whose work or opinions are most
valued by others, then emulate those people

25. Answer the following questions
 Do you truly have all the skills required to be successful at your job? If
not, are you in the process of learning them? A key trait among
professionals is knowing what to do and when to do it. Just as
important, they know what not to do. Avoiding incorrect or inappropriate
actions is crucial to your success.
 Do you communicate well with others? This means more than just
conveying your own thoughts and ideas. It means being able to listen
thoughtfully and respecting the thoughts and ideas of other people.
 Do your managers see you in the right light? "This is tough for anyone,"
says Gregg, "but you need to look at yourself through your boss' eyes."
Does your boss approve of your attire, the hours you keep, the way you
conduct yourself in general? Does the boss seem comfortable coming
to you with special projects or to discuss problems or ideas? If not, you
may need to make some changes. "If you think your manager has a
problem with your level of professionalism," says Gregg, "by all means,
talk it out. Ask for advice. Let your boss know you want to improve, and
ask for mentoring if you think it's needed

26. Answer these questions
 What's your integrity level? The workplace can be cut-throat, but if you are seen as
conniving or a cheater, your image will suffer. And "never, ever tell a lie, especially
to the boss," says Lamb. "I don't want my employees to lie to me, even if they
think they're telling me something I want to hear."
 Do you practice the golden rule? "A true professional treats others with respect,
and expects the same from them," says Gregg. "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."
 Do you live up to your commitments? In any job, you agree to do certain tasks.
Some tasks you must do routinely, without being asked, and management may
ask you to take on other responsibilities. A real test of your professionalism comes
in your ability to meet all these commitments while upholding the standards of
quality and timeliness set by your employer. But it doesn't mean breaking your
neck in the process. "We're all human," says Lamb. "Managers value workers who
know when to ask for help, or who can admit when they're overloaded. If asking
for help means that the work will get done, and that your commitments are being
met, then that's a good thing. Good managers understand that the load has to be
shared sometimes, and respect employees who are smart enough to ask for help."

27. Telephone Etiquettes
 Speak clearly. It’s annoying when someone mumbles on the other end
of the line. Always assume that the other party can’t hear you well. Also,
avoid tucking the phone’s handset under your chin as you talk.
 Ask permission before using a speakerphone. Whether you place or
receive a call, use the handset first. It’s rude to dial a number and
snatch up the handset when you hear the other person answer the
phone, and it creates a loud click in his or her earpiece. Don’t switch to
the speakerphone without asking for permission. (“Do you mind if I use
the speakerphone?”) Many people simply don’t like conversing over a
speakerphone.
 Always introduce yourself. Even if you think the other person will
recognize your voice, and even if you know the other person uses caller
ID, always introduce yourself when making a call. (A simple “Hello,
Betty. This is Fred” will do nicely.) It’s also a good idea to identify
yourself when you answer the phone, and people have many
personalized ways of doing this. Don’t let the other person wonder—
even for a second—who is on the other end of the line.

28. Telephone Etiquette

29. More on Telephone Etiquette
 Call back quickly. If you can’t answer the phone and the caller leaves a message,
make a point of calling back as quickly as possible. (Some companies have a
policy of returning calls the same business day.) Failing to return a call is often
seen as a sign of disrespect, and you want colleagues and customers to know that
you care about them. If you can’t return a call quickly, be sure to apologize when
you do call back. Never use “I’m really busy” as an excuse for not taking or
returning a call. Hey, everybody’s busy, so it’s no excuse.
 Avoid juggling calls. If you’re on the line with someone, avoid putting him or her on
hold to take another call, unless the second call is truly important. People don’t like
being put on hold.
 Use the hold button politely. If you absolutely must put someone on hold, ask
politely before doing so. (“May I put you on hold for a moment while I look up the
information you need?”) If you think you’ll need to put the caller on hold for more
than a few seconds, offer to end the conversation and call back later.
 Learn how to use your phone’s features before making a call. Have you ever been
disconnected while someone tried to pick up another line or set up a conference
call? You can avoid time and embarrassment by learning how to use such features
before actually using the phone. If your employer provides high-tech, multi-feature
phones, read the manual.

30. More on Telephone Etiquette
 Keep voice mail messages brief. Some people feel compelled to spell out every
last detail when leaving a voice mail message, and this usually isn’t necessary. It
takes time for the other person to listen to all that information. Besides, if you’re
going to talk later anyway, why bother? Keep voice messages as short as
possible. State your name and the reason for your call (in the fewest words
possible), and leave a number where you can be reached. It’s also a good idea to
mention the best time to call back.
 Remember: When you leave a message, you’re being recorded. Many voice mail
systems allow users to save messages or forward them to other people. Don’t
assume the listener is going to automatically delete your message; if he doesn’t it
can come back to haunt you. Never be rude or abusive in a voice mail message,
and never use obscenities or make threats. And don’t make any promises you
can’t keep!
 Don’t use voice mail as a way to avoid talking to people. Some people have made
an art of using voice mail to “screen” their calls. They almost never answer their
phones, and force others to communicate with them by leaving voice mail
messages. This wastes time, and it’s just plain rude. Besides, people see through
this ploy. You don’t want to get a reputation as the person who never answers the
phone; if you do, people will simply stop calling you, and this can be bad for your
career

31. Workplace Etiquette
 Fine manners need the support of fine
manners
in others." --- Ralph Waldo Emerson

32. Etiquettes
 Whether you work for a small non-profit
organization, a giant multi-national corporation,
or something in-between, chances are you
spend many hours a day in close proximity to
other people. Too often, simple
misunderstandings among co-workers lead to
workplace tension. On the comics page,
Dilbert’s cubicle suffering provides us with a
shared laugh. Unfortunately, in the real world
these stresses decrease both business
productivity and employee job satisfaction.

33. Sound
 Monitor the volume of your conversations. Be sensitive to how loudly you may
be speaking. Do you notice that people down the hall comment on your
conversations? That might indicate your voice is too loud. Consider closing your
office door and lowering your voice whenever speaking in person or on the
telephone.
 Keep personal telephone conversations—and emails—brief and at a
minimum. Be ever mindful that others are nearby and that this is a place of
business. Do not use the company telephone, fax, or email, for any inappropriate
and personal matters.
 In some workplaces, privacy is difficult to find. If you overhear a private
conversation, practice selective hearing. Avoid the urge to be “helpful” in areas
best left to the other person to handle on their own. Your best bet for being treated
as a professional at work is to keep all workplace conversations professional.
 Sharing professional information is wonderful, gossiping is not. Only discuss
personnel matters directly with specific individuals, superiors, and management

34. Scents
 Be sensitive to scents and smells surrounding you.
Save cologne and perfume for social occasions, and ask
if fresh flowers and potpourri bother co-workers before
installing them in your space.
 When eating at your desk or in shared areas, avoid
foods with strong smells and aromas that will travel
throughout the office. As great as French fries, Chinese
food, and Indian food are, smelling them together in the
same room and office can become unpleasant. Dispose
of empty food containers and other items where they
won’t contribute negatively to the office atmosphere.

35. SIGHT
 Keep your personal workspace clean and neat at all times.
Generally, less is better when it comes to office and cubicle
decor. Use discretion when displaying personal items such as
family photos and mementos so as not to overdo, clutter, and
obstruct your work area.
 Use shared areas with respect and courtesy. Workplace
kitchens can be the biggest source of co-worker tension. If you
expect everyone you work with to cleanup after themselves,
model that behavior yourself. Wash and return all kitchen items
to their proper place, clean spills, and wipe countertops and
tables as needed. Help maintain supplies as needed. When
leaving food items in a shared refrigerator, mark all items with
your name and date. Remove all items at the end of your work
week and toss or recycle empty containers.

36. Sight..
 Restrooms run a close second to kitchens as
annoyance spots. After use, wipe the countertop and
sink of any spilled water or soap. Be sure the toilet is
clean for the next user. Notify the proper attendant if
supplies are low or out, and of any plumbing problems.
 Maintain all shared items in “like new” condition and
return borrowed supplies. Leave the photocopier in
working condition and be sure to take back that borrowed
stapler with at least a few staples left inside. If a machine
stalls or jams, take time to undo the jam or to alert the
proper person to attend to it. We all expect and want to
be able to use items and equipment when needed

37. Thanks
 Thanks