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Business Etiquette & Impact on Business

Deepak Bharara Article - Business Etiquette & Impact on Business

What is Etiquette, Business Etiquette & its impact?

Etiquette is what you are doing and saying when people are looking & listening

The Business Etiquette is a set of rules that govern the way those in business interact with one another, customer, suppliers, and partners…

Business etiquette refers to the requirements and expectations of social and business behaviour, practices and conduct that are prescribed by social convention, and a code of ethical behaviour among professionals. It basically boils down to demonstrating good manners.

Business etiquette is important because it creates a professional, mutual respectful atmosphere and improve communication, which helps an office serve a productive place. People feel better about their jobs when they feel respected, and that translates into better customer relationship as well.

Business etiquette is a type of behaviour that team members are expected to follow to uphold the company image and respect each other. While business culture has become more casual, it’s still critical to practice common courtesy

The Basics of Business Etiquette

  • Be on time
  • Recognize your team – Respect & Treat Everyone Equal as you would like to be treated
  • Dress appropriately
  • Respect shared spaces
  • Build Emotional Intelligence

Types of Business Etiquette

  1. Workplace Etiquettes – Acknowledge everyone you come in contact – Respect them & their Time – Active Listening
  2. Table Manners & Meal Etiquettes – follow Basic Discipline
  3. Professionalism – Keep the Commitment – Show patience – Flexibility – Constructive Criticism – Personal Appearance – Grooming – Wardrobe
  4. Communication Etiquettes – Keep it short & crisp – Meaningful
  5. Meeting Etiquettes – Equipment Testing – Follow the Timeline/Agenda – Minutes of Meeting
  6. Networking Etiquettes – Mingle, Mingle & Mingle – Move from one group to another group with grace

Perception Equals Reality – 4P’s

Two stages – Initial Perception – Immediate and Sustained Perception – Overtime
Focus on

  • Presence – Appearance – Manners & Style – Etiquette – Dress Code
  • Presentation – Make your first word count – Concise
  • Personal Substance – Depth & Breadth – Be Positive
  • Professionalism – Act Smartly – Speak with authority

Three R of the Business Etiquette

  • Recognition
  • Respect
  • Response

Benefits of Business Etiquettes

  • It fosters a Professional Environment – Gives confidence
  • It helps to Manage Self in every situation in terms of behaviors to demonstrate & control emotions/feelings
  • It generates a base level of Mutual Respect, Trust & Healthy Relationships
  • It improves Communication between Stakeholders – prevents misunderstanding
  • It creates a baseline for interaction with those of Other Culture
  • It helps business to grow & Improve Image/Brand – First Impression

Remote Business Etiquette

Email Etiquette:

  • Always Proofread
  • Be Polite & Professional
  • Respond in timely manner
  • Keep it brief – be meaningful

Phone Etiquette:

  • Don’t call unannounced
  • Use reasonable tone & clarity
  • Deliver Message Promptly
  • Create a professional voice mail

Video Etiquette:

  • Mute yourself
  • Engage with your body – show body gesture
  • Don’t interrupt
  • Dress appropriately

Chatting/Meeting Etiquette:

  • Before the Meeting – Meeting Set up – Agenda – Members Introduction – Define Timeline
  • Starting or during the Meeting – Participation by all Members
  • After the meeting – Summarize – MOM

The 8 Important pilers of Business Etiquette

  1. Mind appropriate attire & self-care
  2. Maintain Confidentiality if any
  3. Work in peace – be Mindful & Courteous
  4. Be an ally to your boss – get aligned – talk the same language
  5. Save others from Inconvenience
  6. Take responsibility of your work – Accept mistakes if there is any
  7. Don’t React or Retaliate
  8. Don’t gossips & indulge in public criticism
  9. Respect everyone’s time

First Impression

First impressions are the most important aspect of business etiquette and you can ensure a good first impression by first being respectful of people’s time. Showing up on time shows the other person that you respect them enough not to waste their time.
Rickenbacker says that first impressions are paramount in indicating how you want to be perceived and how you’ll handle business.

Few Examples of Good Business Etiquettes

  1. Follow the dress code & timelines
  2. Pay attention to names – Careful about Gender/Name Tag
  3. Talk about safety norms, health & hygiene factors
  4. Greet everyone – offer a handshake
  5. Establish eye contact & pay attention to details – observe the body language
  6. Introduce all concerned
  7. Share customized handwritten notes
  8. Keep your desk clean & tidy
  9. Don’t over share or under share
  10. Don’t be a complainer
  11. Respect the culture & customs of international customers

Some Examples of Bad Business Etiquettes

  • Being chronically late
  • Playing on your phone
  • Interrupting frequently
  • Gossiping/side talks
  • Skipping meetings
  • Responding late
  • Being critical
  • Grabbing credit

Bad Business Etiquettes ruins the productivity

  • Multitasking hurts work performance
  • Don’t think money grows on trees
  • It spreads like a wildfire & corrupts minds
  • It cost big time in overall motivation
  • It holds back in every aspect & affects badly

Effects of Business Etiquettes

Etiquette promotes kindness, consideration & humility… Etiquette gives the confidence to deal with different situation in life, it gives us life skills. Etiquette enhances Individual/ Organization image. It eliminates discourteous or unacceptable behaviors

GOOD BUSINESS ETIQUETTE MEANS GOOD BUSINESS

BAD BUSINESS ETIQUETTE MEANS ZERO OR NO BUSINESS