Introduction
Business etiquette refers to norms or standards that constitute what are good manners and professional behaviour in the workplace. They determine what people around you consider appropriate.
Business etiquette isn't static. The way people are expected to behave now change as social norms and conditions have changed. The industry the individual is working in, generally, determines the way the individual dress and behave. The rules of business etiquette also differ from one organization to another.
Knowing the rules of business etiquette in the manner appropriate to your position will enable you to present yourself as a polished professional. Over time, this can help you to develop a good reputation and advance your career.
What is professionalism?
Professionalism is something defined by certain norms or expectations. What is considered to be professional in one workplace culture or industry, may be considered completely unprofessional in another.
Generally, professionalism would be considered as an existing norm for appropriate communication, image, competence, and demeanour in a specific workplace.
Being professional requires being mindful of your surroundings and how your behaviour impacts others.
Good manners are as important within working environments as they are outside of them. Saying "please" and "thank you" goes a long way, although there is more to it than that.
Most individuals do not mean to hurt others, but bad manners can ruin working relationships and create negative working environments.
To be professional and avoid damaging working relationships you should endeavour to understand and respect others' needs.
90 percent of unhappy customers don't complain.
Think of the nine out of ten customers who are unhappy with the service they received and don't take the time to show you. 91 percent of them will never do business with you again. An average unhappy customer tells 9 other people. Imagine your own circle of influence.
The costs of poor etiquette are significant. Therefore, to understand and ensure that others around you are happy is important to find out, how to practice good etiquette.
Always be your best
Let's start with different tricks and tips on how to always be your best.
Think about the first impression that you make. What do you think people think first when they see your appearance?
You must always be careful with your appearance. Dress appropriately. Dress for the position you want and not just for the position you have. It is also always safe to dress conservatively.
You must be neatly groomed, you must have clean clothes on, your hair should be nicely styled. Everything around you should look neat and clean. Never wear the same clothes two days in a row.
Now, business casual can potentially look differently in different places. Business casual in an ambiguous term and its meaning can vary.
Facial hair and makeup
Facial hair or any makeup that is applied must be clean, neat.
Gentlemen, your beards and moustache must be groomed all of the time.
Ladies, with your makeup, ensure it is applied appropriately, not being vulgar and it looks natural.
Clean fingernails
Most people notice others' hands. Ensure that your hands are clean and neat and your nails are well-groomed.
Perfume or colognes
Most of us like to wear perfume or colognes, but we have to be careful about the scent that you choose. Too much is too much!
Professionalism is keeping everything to a minimum
Take your time to always be your best, pay attention to your grooming and hygiene.
Honour your working hours
When you took the job you agreed to certain hours, now if you agree to those hours, it is important to honour those working hours. Thinking about the time that you need to travel to and from work is important, but as a professional not being late or not leaving early must be kept to a minimum. You must also always notify your employer.
Keep personal information personal
The workplace is just that, the workplace. It's nice to be friendly and build friendships with work colleagues, however, personal information should be kept to a minimum. You should only share them if it's appropriate.
Follow on the assignments that you are given
When you are given a task that you accept, you should follow it through. Additionally, you must make sure that you communicate, that you are completing it to the expectations.
Maintain a positive attitude
Part of being your best is also having a good attitude. Now yes, I understand that sometimes we wake up and just don't feel positive. But positive means; put a smile on your face, talking about what you can do, instead of what you can't, showing thankfulness, showing gratitude. It's easy to be thankful for everything that you have. And that's what it means to have a positive attitude. Be thankful for the job that you have, and for the colleagues who you can collaborate with and work with.
A positive attitude is infectious. Think about when someone smiles at you, don't you smile back?
Be supportive
Being supporting means asking your colleagues what they need and how you can help them. Being supportive will allow them to be supportive of you, sharing accomplishments and pointing out and praising others for doing a good job.
Keep an open mind
It's easy to think that we are right. But the reality is that everybody is just different. There is no right or wrong, better or worse. We are just different. Therefore, keeping an open mind to the colleagues that we work with is the part of being professional. Be the leader and start, but showing your professionalism and open mind in the workplace.
Communicate well
Part of communicating is taking the time to share information and listen to others. When we talk about listening, we want to talk about active listening. Taking the time to be present and hear what your colleagues have to say. Ask questions, try to understand from their perspective and not just yours.
Solve your own problems
We all run into problems and we all find challenges in the workplace. Thinking of various ideas on your solutions or at least suggesting solutions when you are asked for help. Being proactive and looking for solutions shows professionalism and indicates to others that you are looking for ways to make things better.
Get your job done
What does it mean to work hard? Well, when you are at work, you are there to work. your employer expects you to give time, complete tasks and being the part of the team. Contribute your time to tasks that you have to accomplish.
Of course, as you are at work there is a time when you have a chat with your colleagues, but the reality is that when you are at work, you there to work. Take time and ensure that as you start your day and finish your day, you have been productive and given a hard-working day to those who are paying you.
Be assertive but not aggressive
Assertive means being direct and clear, but not hurting others feelings. And certainly, not being bold or attacking others. Be sensitive, show others that you care about their feelings, but you also care about your own.
Being assertive is about being professional.
Don't be in a hurry all the time
There will always be an opportunity for more things to be done. There is always going to be some tasks to do. There will also always be times when you need others to help you. Yes, we want to complete our tasks and follow up, but also there are times when we need others to help and need their contributions. If you are in too big of a hurry and you are rushing and pushing others to complete tasks, that could lead to aggressiveness.
Peace yourself and don't burn out
Leave gracefully
Whether you are leaving because some new opportunity arose or it's just not a good fit you should leave gracefully. Think of the way that you came in and seek to leave on the same terms. Leave with a good taste and positively.
Summary
I hope that you now are more confident and understand more about what it means to be professional. It is important to know and follow basic rules which will benefit your work and career.
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