Professional Etiquette

Professional Etiquette At The Workplace

What is Etiquette?

Webster’s II New College Dictionary defines it as follows:  The forms and practices prescribed by social convention or by authority

Oxford Reference Dictionary: The code of polite behaviour in a society.

“The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” – Merriam Webster Dictionary

It also means behaving in an acceptable manner and being considerate of others… When asked, “Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one’s life ?”, Confucius said, “It is perhaps the word ‘shu’ – Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” Be considerate.
Etiquettes & Manners are your Soft Skills… Your Hard or Technical skills can get you a job… But what keeps you climbing the ladder of success are your Soft Skills & Etiquettes.

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Presentation Transcript

Professional Etiquette : Presentation Transcript

What is Etiquette? : Wat is Etiquette? Webster’s II New College Dictionary: The forms and practices prescribed by social convention or by authority. Oxford Reference Dictionary: The code of polite behaviour in a society. “The conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life.” – Merriam Webster Dictionary

Slide 3: Also means behaving in an acceptable manner and being considerate of others… When asked, “Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one’s life ?”, Confucius said, “It is perhaps the word ‘shu’ – Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.” Be considerate.

Etiquettes & Manners are your Soft Skills… :  Your Hard or Technical skills can get you a job… But what keeps you climbing the ladder of success are your Soft Skills & Etiquettes..

Slide 5: People often speak of good manners as an accomplishment. One should speak of them as a duty But what are good manners? Such manners that society recognizes as being agreeable & acceptable to men… …Manners that replace rudeness, crudeness and coarseness with gentle behaviour and finesse.

Slide 6: Every individual should observe the laws of politeness It is the expression of good-will and kindness It promotes both – beauty & gentleness in the person who possesses it; and happiness in those who are about him It is a duty, and should be a part of every formal training.

Business & Workplace Etiquette : “Treat People as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being”

Showing Respect : Showing Respect We all want respect, no matter what age we are, no matter what position we hold or what job function we do The key is to know that each person, no matter how long they’ve worked or how adept their skill-set, deserves respect, because we are all human beings.

Some Rules… : Address people by their formal name when meeting them for the first time, unless introduced to them only by their first name. Address everyone formally until they ask you to use their first name Do this with everyone you meet, it’s a sign of respect.

Slide 11: Introduce everyone, no matter who they are. To break barriers between different age-groups, genders and nationalities, make people feel valued. The best way to do this is to introduce people to others whenever the opportunity presents itself.  Introducing others shows you’re etiquette savvy and helps you make important allies too.

Slide 12: Be the first to extend your hand for a handshake, and look the person in the eye. This small act of courtesy goes a long way in making sure all people work well together.

Slide 13: Give a good handshake that conveys the message, “Welcome! I’m open to engage in conversation with you!” Limp handshake ? Work on improving it ,as instead of showing your warmth, confidence and charm it exposes your lack of it !

 

Slide 14: Say “Please” and “Thank you”! This little courtesy is vital to show respect It makes people understand you appreciate what they can do or have done for you. Forgetting a basic courtesy such as a “please” or “thank you” shows lack of appreciation and concern for others which is disrespectful and degrading.

Slide 15: Never interrupt someone. In casual work environments, people can easily forget basic courtesy, and interruption can sometimes becomes a real problem. Remember that it’s always rude to interrupt, especially when someone is making an important point or addressing a group.

Slide 16: Walking unannounced or uninvited into someone’s office is another form of interruption, and it makes a bad impression. You may not need to make an appointment to see your boss or a colleague, but you should always make sure the person is not busy when you want to talk.

Slide 17: Remember… Start with consideration and respect. No matter whom you come in contact with, that person deserves being treated with respect and dignity. Even if you dislike someone for his or her behavior, you’ll come out on top if you maintain a respectful manner.

Slide 18: 

“A true professional treats others with respect, and expects the same from them.” This doesn’t mean you have to let people step on you, but it does mean showing concern for their feelings, respecting their opinions, and being honest with them. If you think someone else is mistreating you, deal with it and tell them you won’t tolerate disrespect.”

Kindness : Anyone who thinks that kindness isn’t a necessity in today’s work environment isn’t thinking. Kindness is one of the most important skills in dealing with people of all ages. Every living thing responds to kindness. Use this skill for good results in handling people Help others whenever you possibly can.

Slide 20: Help your juniors and subordinates… Don’t bully them or allow your peers to do so.

Refrain from Gossip : Keep gossip or hurtful information to yourself. Do not spread rumours or encourage them. Gossiping is against the principles of kindness. Would you like someone to gossip about you?

Respect everyone’s privacy… : Do not eavesdrop on anyone. It is a RUDE thing to do ! Give each individual the space he or she is due, as you would expect to be given your own space and privacy. Respect their individuality and privacy.

Slide 23: Do not encourage or indulge in politics at workplace …

Refrain from Politics ! : Indulging in Office Politics is against the accepted norms of Etiquettes… Refrain from getting involved in such politics.

Integrity : Maintain your integrity at all times. When you make a promise or give your word, you need to follow through on it. If you are unable to keep the promise or fulfil the commitment, you must be prepared to make amends and set things right.

 

Slide 27: Remember… Trust is fragile… Very easily broken and very difficult to regain. Only People with integrity are the people we can trust !

Mind Your Language ! : Language counts. Your point won’t come across any better if you use rude, derogatory, or obscene language, no matter whom you’re addressing. Talk like a professional and you’ll be seen and treated as one.

Choose Your Company Carefully… : Be careful which “crowd” you associate with. It may be more fun to hang out with the group that talks loudly, cracks jokes, and ridicules co-workers, but doing so could leave a bad impression with the boss & others.

Slide 30: It’s nice to fit in, especially when you have to spend so much time with the same people… But the office isn’t a place where you hang out with friends and get boisterous. It’s a place to get work done !!

Keep your productivity high… : Keep your productivity high… You are paid to work, so work ! No goofing in office hours !

Slide 32: Practice Gender Equality

Leave gender out of the equation : Co-workers are peers, regardless of gender. Be sensitive towards female colleagues Of course, dirty jokes, off-colour remarks, and discussion of certain private matters are an absolute no-no. Period.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT THE WORKPLACE MUST NOT BE TOLERATED OR ENCOURAGED

Slide 35: Sexual harassment has no place at work, or for that matter, in civilised society. Do not allow or tolerate such behaviour. If you observe such behaviour, speak out against it. Remember, it is also a punishable offence !

Gender Discrimination : Do not discriminate against female colleagues. Allow them equal opportunities. Be aware that what men can do, women can also do, and maybe even do it better ! Respect them as equals and acknowledge their contribution.

Office Equipment : It’s there to make your work easier… Use it judiciously .Handle all office equipment carefully .Care for it as you would for anything that you owned. Remember, misuse of office equipment leads to breakdowns, affecting your productivity.

Slide 38: Misuse of equipment also includes using it for your personal work. Office Telephones, Computers, Photocopiers, Transport & Stationery items etc are meant for Official use only. Avoid using them for your personal work. Respect the trust that your employer has placed in you… do not violate it.

Always keep these basics in mind… : Understand that nobody is born with these etiquettes. One has to study & learn them. They can also be learnt by observing others and imbibed… by the process of Vicarious Learning. But neither are these difficult to learn or put into practice.

Slide 41: It’s all about Attitude. And attitude is a decision – YOUR decision ! All it takes is the right Attitude ! Do you have it in you ?

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