Corporate etiquette

From job interviews to appraisals and client meetings, every organization today harps on the importance of maintaining the appropriate etiquette for each situation. In fact, organizations expect individuals to follow a set of rules while at work to show respect for the organization and maintain the decorum of the place. Etiquette generally refers to good manners which help an individual leave his mark in the society. Corporate etiquette, or as it is sometimes called, business etiquette, is set of ordinarily agreed upon rules for behaving in the business environment focusing on manners for the corporation and for its individual players about an individual interacts with customers and other businesses. Today we shall glimpse into the total world of corporate etiquette, to see all the sets of rules that define how professionally an individual behaves. Though it is not essential to follow each one to the minutest detail, and though the culture of the organization and the comfort level of each individual as well as the current situation also are taken into account in most cases, it is good to know the various arenas of corporate etiquette, so as to pick them up as and when required. Meeting and Greeting Etiquette: When you are being introduced to another person, smile while standing at a comfortable distance and welcome them with a handshake. Always say the name clearly and confidently. When you introduce another person, make sure you maintain eye contact to both individuals and keep the tone respectful and genuine. Be natural. lHandshake Etiquette: When two people meet each other they shake their hands as a symbol and sign of meeting. There is a right manner in handshake. There has to be firm handshake that represents the confidence level of the persons. Both the persons keep their palms perpendicular to the ground. Many a time, a person's nature is easily judged and decided by the way he shakes his hand with others. It becomes the core part of any corporate culture. Interview Etiquette: Knock the door and ask permission to enter and after greeting the panel, ask where to sit. Sit with straight posture at the back with his back touching the chair and without dragging the chair or dragging the feet and no attempts made either to lean forward or to lean too much backward or to sit in totally at an ease position. Listen to the questions completely and then reply. Telephone Etiquette: The caller has to identify himself first, and then should confirm whether he is looking for the concerned person and then should start conversation. Even when interrupted, exercise patience and respond. Radiate positive energy through your voice. Personalize the conversation to make it polite and presentable. Dress Etiquette: It is essential to dress appropriately at the workplace for an everlasting impression. Individuals who dress shabbily are never taken seriously at work. One must dress as per the occasion. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, T - Shirts or sleeveless dresses to work. Follow a professional dress code. Make sure you feel comfortable in whatever you wear. It is not always necessary to wear expensive clothes rather wear something which looks good on you. Dress code i.e. colors, type, accessories, are usually set separately for men and women. Business Card Etiquette: When business card is given, it must be taken with the right hand in India. It must be read with details like name, designation and other details and then it should be kept in a visiting card holder. Always give fresh cards and do not give the cards that look dirty or old or faded cards. Email Etiquette: Paper correspondence is gradually losing its relevance.A In every business there is growing significance attached to email and it is necessary to dwell at length about email etiquette in this context. Simple techniques such as personalizing the email, addressing by names, making the subject matter simple, specific, and short, using simple sentences, addressing to the right person, etc are some of the starters for effective email etiquette. Dining Etiquette: Proper habits of eating and drinking are very important, widely respected and need to be followed in business lunches and dinners, while also accepting and adhering to parts of the culture, customs, traditions, and religions of the local cuisine. Proper table manners vary from culture to culture, although there are always a few basic rules that are important to follow. Etiquette should be observed when dining in any restaurant, though the acceptable standards depend upon the situation sometimes. Some simple tips include waiting for your host to ask you to sit, keep solids of the food on the left and the liquids on the right side, keep the napkin folded towards you on your lap, don't fill your plate with entire food at one go etc. Etiquette and business etiquette is essential to survive and succeed both at the personal and professional level. It has paramount significance and importance at the corporate world either to make or break the business deals. Thus, it is mandatory to stick to the basics of all etiquettes to become a successful professional. To conclude, the business etiquette is essential from peon to principal and from employee to employer. It is in fact said that good manners are the best letter of recommendation among strangers. Civility, refinement and gentleness are passports to hearts and homes, while awkwardness, coarseness and gruffness are met with locked doors and closed hearts. When etiquette is observed, the corporation has the opportunity to present a seamless, mannered front to the rest of the world, which can increase the respect the world gives it, resulting in a potentially more profitable corporation. Follow business etiquette... Grow in organizations! You have the power! Revathi Turaga is an International Trainer and Inspirational Speaker. She can be reached at www.revathionline.com