How to Have Good Business Etiquette
Manners matter. From the first interview to your interactions in the boardroom, how you conduct yourself among your business colleagues impacts their perception about your ability to fit into the work environment.
Good etiquette can be learned. Instruction is available from books, seminars and on the Internet. Topics range from how to conduct yourself during an interview; which knives and forks to use during a business lunch or dinner; how to assist an inebriated co-worker; dressing for success; and the rules of etiquette when using technology such as email and web-casting.
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Instructions
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Assess Your Etiquette Knowledge
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Take a free etiquette assessment test online. The Emily Post Institute's website includes free etiquette assessments covering general business situations and a specific test for job seekers.
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The University of Alabama's Student Affairs website indicates that etiquette has become a critical element of good international business for all levels within the organization. Evaluate your knowledge of international business etiquette by visiting the University's website or other Internet sites that provide instruction on etiquette in different countries, cultures and regions. See the Resources section below for a sample of websites that offer information on international business etiquette.
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Test your knowledge of international business etiquette using the free Minding Manners International Business Etiquette Quiz at mindingmanners.com.
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Go to your local library or bookstore and investigate books on etiquette. Books such as "Emily Post's The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success" by Peggy and Peter Post is in its second edition. Consider "Business Etiquette for Dummies" by Sue Fox or "Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work" by Jacqueline Whitmore. As of October 2009, Amazon.com prices for these books range from $8 to $20, plus shipping.
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Contact your local Better Business Bureau to inquire about etiquette seminars, one-on-one training and executive coaches in your area.
Observe Business Etiquette
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One of the best ways to learn proper business etiquette is to identify people who handle business situations well. Watch them, listen to the way they communicate and observe their body language and mannerisms.
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Emulate those people, staying true to your personality and values.
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Study those whose behavior does not seem to fit well in your business environment and ensure you eliminate those behaviors at work.
Practice Good Business Etiquette
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When learning a new skill, repetition is the key to creating natural behaviors. Use every situation to enhance your manners.
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When dining with friends or family be conscious of how you handle conversations and disagreements. Practice identifying and using the proper eating utensils for each course of your meal.
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When meeting people in new situations, try out your new etiquette skills. Introduce yourself and those you're with and engage the person you're meeting in polite and appropriate conversation.
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Sometimes it can be easier to practice new skills when we're not face-to-face. Use telephone conversations as a way to enhance your business communication skills.
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Use email communications to practice good business writing etiquette. Search emails that you've received for phrases that flow well and indicate good manners.
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Watch and listen for reactions from those you're dealing with. Body language can be a good indicator as to whether your behavior is appropriate in a given situation.
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Tips & Warnings
Less is more: when in doubt as to whether your comments or actions would be acceptable, say and do nothing.
References
Resources
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Comments
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bsue
Nov 03, 2009
Concise, well writen and informative.
