Etiquette

Bibliography Post, Peggy and Peter, The Etiquette Advantage in Business Bennett, Carole, Business Etiquette and Protocol Barnes and Nobles University course in Business Etiquette

Why is Etiquette Important? First Impressions Cost Effective Civility

How to ….  Dress  Eye Contact  Introducing people  Conversations  Manners  Social Occasions

Dress  Dress for Success books  Rules –Do not mix styles –Coordinate colors –Avoid tight clothing –Shoes in good shape –Simple jewelry –No provocative clothing –Do not mix patterns  Dress like people at the next highest corporate level

Eye Contact  Follow convention of city or town  Direct eye contact  But, don’t stare –Glance to other parts of the face – Don’t focus away from person

Introductions  Introduce to the more “important” person… Mr. President, I would like you to meet Mr. New Hire”  Try to make comment or tell something about the person you are introducing to facilitate a conversation  If people are of equal importance, introduce younger person to older person.

Conversations  Ask Open-ended questions  Smile at start  Open, interested body language  Stay away from certain subjects  No language

Manners  Opening doors  Walking on sidewalks  Elevators  Respect others’ privacy  Don’t gossip

Social Occasions  Eating  Drinking  Flirting  Don’t be too honest  Not work subjects but not too personal  Don’t assume conversations are “off the record”

Company Culture  What is it like? –Collegial –Formal –Relaxed –Bureaucratic –Competitive –Hierarchical  Formal vs. Informal lines of communication  Try to tailor your actions, conversation, dress to the prevailing culture

Etiquette at Work  Respect others’ space  Respect “do not disturb”  Personal decoration  Rise to meet people  Where to sit  Chores  Complaining  Messages  etiquette

International Etiquette  Try to learn customs  Know holidays  Differences in language  Differences in body language  Gifts