Is it necessary to have good manners in the workplace? Your mother would most likely say yes, but I'm sure that each of us can think of a few examples of rude and inconsiderate colleagues who are quite successful in their jobs. But, it goes without saying that most employees prefer to work with and for people who treat them with dignity and respect.
Good manners are useful in any situation, but have particular importance in business communications. Using proper etiquette when giving speeches, sending emails, returning phone calls, or text messaging displays both your professionalism and common courtesy. The ability to communicate politely, powerfully and effectively will put you on the road to success.
One might assume that manners come naturally for most adults, but unfortunately that is not always the case. So, I present to you a list of basic expectations in today's workplace. Of course, this basic list is just a start. It can be applied to your client relationships and personal relationships, as well.
- Respond to email and voicemail promptly: Ideally within 24 hours. We all have the same 24 hours in a day; don't kid yourself that you are busier than the next guy.
- Be on time: For work, for deadlines, for meetings, for lunches, for everything. It shows respect and it shows you are responsible.
- Don't interrupt: You cannot communicate effectively with others if you are not listening
- Put down your smart phone: Don't review documents or look at your computer screen either, give your audience your undivided attention.
- Practice good table manners: Don't speak with your mouth full, don't use your napkin as a handkerchief and don't double dip.
- Be courteous to everybody: That includes every single person from the CEO, to the UPS delivery person, to the waiter at lunch.
- Monitor the volume of your conversations: Remember back in the day when people used to go into a phone booth to make a call in public? Unfortunately, those booths no longer exist, but they've been replaced with our "inside voice".
Give us a call at Ty Boyd Executive Communications & Coaching for help with professional etiquette in the office. We can provide you and your team with an understanding of office courtesy, technology protocol, meeting manners, cubicle conduct and much more.
