Improving Business Etiquette
Business etiquette is a set of manners accepted or required in a profession. Improving your business etiquette can have a positive impact on your career.
To improve your business etiquette:
Use common courtesy. Adopt the "You" attitude - consider other's needs and feelings first. This behavior leads to good manners and common courtesy, thereby improving your business etiquette.
Examples of courteous behavior:
- Using please and thank you as appropriate.
- Addressing others using Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms. unless otherwise requested.
- Speaking clearly and distinctly while using a pleasant tone of voice.
- Maintaining eye contact.
- Smiling and offering a firm handshake when meeting someone new.
- Writing thank you notes and letters of appreciation, congratulation and condolence as appropriate.
Do some research. When at work, pay attention to the manners and habits of your supervisor, mentor, senior management, and other key players. If you are unsure about displaying proper etiquette, consider asking your supervisor or mentor for advice.
Join a professional organization. Besides being a great way to network, professional organizations give you the opportunity to gain additional insight into the etiquette particular to your profession. Added benefits include practicing your business etiquette skills outside your organization.
Visit your local bookstore and/or library. There have been numerous books written about improving business etiquette. Check out the self-improvement section of your local library or bookstore.
Surf the Internet. Whether it's someone selling books, tapes, seminars, or offering free advice, the Internet is filled with suggestions on how to improve your business etiquette.
For more information about improving business etiquette, check out GCFLearnFree.org’s self-paced course, Workplace Development.