The common expectation in the corporate ‘world’ is that executives should be fully abreast with business etiquette. Do you know the rules of business etiquette? Most people are aware of these unwritten rules – at least when they’re violated. The culture of most organisations is embedded in business etiquette. As a brush-up to the EMBA program, we were taken through business etiquette.The question therefore is what is business etiquette?
Business etiquette can be described as set of manners that governs the expectations of behaviour in a profession. Often embedded in the culture and enforced by the members of the organisation.
The etiquette is about interacting with people, conveying the right image, and behaving appropriately.
The 5 basics of business etiquette:
1. Introduce yourself properly.
When someone new enters the room, stand up to shake their hand. This shows respect. You should also say your full name (first and last) as you introduce yourself.
2. Be on time.
Being on time for meetings or any engagement is common courtesy. Whether you’re attending an interview or daily meeting, being on time shows that you respect everyone’s schedule. You should always give yourself enough time between commitments that you won’t be late even if your meeting runs over, you hit traffic, you can’t find your destination, etc.
However, occasionally running late is inevitable. Give the other people as much advance notice as possible. As soon as you know you’re probably not going to make it, call or email them. Finally, end meetings on time or even earlier. You’ll earn a lot of goodwill by finishing a planned hour-long conversation 10 minutes early.
3. Dress appropriately
Formal dressing is usually advised for business meetings, although some meetings may require business casual. For service-oriented business, one should identify the preferred dressing of the prospects – Do they wear business casual? You should ensure that you dress modest even for virtual meetings.
4. Don’t interrupt.
No matter how passionate or enthusiastic you get in meetings or discussion, try to let others speak without breaking in. Interruptions tell people you think your opinion is better or more valid than theirs. You may write down your thought (if you’re worried, you’ll forget it), and take a deep breath. Then wait until they’re fully finished and you called upon to express what’s on your mind.
5. Put your devices away.
Even if everyone you see is glued to their phone, stash yours away. Listening to music, scrolling through social media, and sending messages gives the impression you don’t want to be disturbed – which can destroy the probability anyone will start a conversation with you.
6. Practice polite exit.
You never want to leave while the other person is talking, since you may give the impression you’re bored. Instead, wait until you’re speaking. Then wrap up your thought and say, “Thanks for your time — it was great to meet you again.
The EMBA program requires full compliance of business etiquette. Therefore, the cost of incivility in organisations is too high to ignore. Ensure strict compliance to the outlined etiquette #EMBA28
