Good manners Makes Good Business – Part I

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<v ->Let’s look at social etiquette in a professional setting.</v> Now we’re going to look at how the art of good manners is also the art of good business. So what can you expect in this session? Well, we’re going to look at a guide to etiquette in the workplace. We’re going to take a look first at a few things to consider before you attend any event. We’re then going to look together at how introductions are conducted. We’ll look at behavior when you’re at the gathering, we’ll also look at how body language can help to convey a message. And finally, we’ll look at how COVID-19 has made us adjust certain aspects of all behavior.

So first, before any encounter, you need to think. You need to think and do a little bit of preparation. What is it that you want to achieve from this encounter? What do you want to get from the event? You need to do a little bit of thinking, who will be there. What is the tone of the occasion? Is it relaxed, informal, or is it more formal? Think about what you already know of the company culture. Take a look at their website, get a feel for how they may behave. What is the climate of that company? What is the organizational culture?

Then on the day, dress to impress. Make sure that you understand the dress code and that you’ve interpreted it correctly. Most important, you need to feel comfortable. Make sure you feel good about how you book. This will help you to relax and help you to master the situation. It will give you the confidence to get through any occasion.

Don’t forget, pay attention to details. Details are all important. So whatever you wear, make sure it is clean and well-pressed. Pay attention to the colors and the cut of the garment. Make sure that you’re not too bright. Make sure that your clothes are not too tight. And don’t forget your shoes, they need to be clean, they need to be well-polished.

Moving on to greetings and introductions. When you first arrive at an event, announce yourself. Give your full name and state it clearly. State your position within the company. And as you say your name, make eye contact and smile. You want to convey an idea of openness and transparency, you have nothing to hide. Listen and pay attention as others state their name and their position. It’s usual to stand for introductions, this helps create impact and establish presence. Why does this work? This works because being clear and forthright means you are professional, you are taking control, you have mastery of that situation, you display the confidence and control of the situation. Offering a strong greeting puts other people at ease.

Introducing yourself well, means the first impression will be a lasting impression and that’s what you want to achieve. So what else can be achieved with a strong introduction? A good introduction would ensure a relationship has been established. It will ensure that people recognize you and feel more comfortable approaching you in any future social encounter. The social confidence and mastery of the situation will add value to your status. It will add the legitimacy to your presence in the room. People will understand why you’re there. Then when someone is introduced to you make sure you listen attentively. When they give their name, make sure you’ve understood it correctly and understand it clearly.

If it’s an unusual name or a difficult to pronounce name, be sincere and ask for a repetition. This shows that you’re very interested in them and care about getting their name right. To help you remember the name, you can then repeat it a couple of times or as many times as you need in the conversation.

What happens if you forget someone’s name? And this happens to everyone, don’t panic, it’s not a big deal. Forget the name? Just be sincere. Admit it and ask them for their name again. Avoid saying, what was your name again? Try instead, can you remind me of your name?

When you’re at work, it’s important to greet colleagues. Say hello to everyone, be open and be welcoming. It’s important to take the time to exchange pleasantries. Small talk creates big impact. So avoid rushing down the corridor or rushing through someone’s office. Rushing will make you look stressed and unprofessional. Give people the time they deserve and that’s what they’ll remember about you. Courtesy and care, tact. When you’re being introduced to a group, or if you’re in a group and introductions are being conducted, introduce others in the group. Introduce others by name and give a little background. Maybe the position, perhaps a mutual friend but keep it brief. Remember different rules apply for social and business settings.

In a social setting, it’s age and gender that indicates seniority. But in a business setting priority or position in the company indicates seniority. A lesser rank is introduced to a senior rank but the name of the senior rank is given first over the person of lower rank. So, Mrs. Jones, I would like you to meet our new accounts clerk, Ben.

Why this works. Because naming the senior person first then giving the name of the person of lesser rank puts everyone at ease. It makes clear the status and the relationship of all parties.

As the gathering goes on or the event continues, in conversation, learn how to listen. Take the time to listen to what others are saying. Use some cues to show that you are engaging with what is being said, nod and smile where necessary, react with facial expressions where appropriate. Avoid interrupting, but if you would like to contribute to the conversation, make this quite clear. Never talk over someone who is talking, use a gesture to indicate that you would like to interject or that you have something to add to the conversation. There are some things to avoid in conversation. Avoid the temptation to overshare. Don’t give too many details away. Certainly don’t talk about your personal life or your family life.

Always avoid malicious gossip. It’ll always reflect badly on you and there will always be a negative outcome. And finally, avoid bragging, avoid one-upmanship. You know, you’ve been in a conversation where somebody is forever going on and on and on about their own achievements, it’s not interesting to the group. One-upmanship is when you tell a story and then somebody else wants to tell a bigger, better story. You know, the story of the fishermen, there’s always the bigger catch. This is something to avoid in conversation.