Business etiquette is important in any career, and can have a major influence on an individual’s success. Superiors and potential clients look for people who know how to act professionally. The following are business etiquette tips to help you succeed in your workplace.
Mind your Manners
The basic fundamentals of etiquette are the most important in any setting, especially business. The most valuable business tip is to be polite at all times. This can be as simple as smiling and saying hello to a coworker. It is important to treat everyone with respect, even subordinates. You should address each person as “ma’am” or “sir” whenever appropriate. Likewise, you should make frequent use of the words “please” and “thank you.”
Communication
Mind your Manners
The basic fundamentals of etiquette are the most important in any setting, especially business. The most valuable business tip is to be polite at all times. This can be as simple as smiling and saying hello to a coworker. It is important to treat everyone with respect, even subordinates. You should address each person as “ma’am” or “sir” whenever appropriate. Likewise, you should make frequent use of the words “please” and “thank you.”
Communication
Maintaining proper communication is of high importance in the business world. The promptness in which you respond to phone calls and emails sends a message about how much you care about the requester. To show that your job and coworkers are important to you, you should reply to emails and phone calls as quickly as possible- typically within 24 hours. It is also important to keep emails appropriate. This means using proper spelling and grammar, avoiding any casual internet lingo, and maintaining a friendly and professional tone. You should also avoid using obscure fonts, bright colors, all caps, underlining, and italicizing whenever possible.
Appropriate Language
Another business etiquette tip is that you should always use appropriate language in the workplace. Even if you are speaking to a friend on break, your coworkers or supervisors may overhear your conversation; so, it is always wise to keep your language and topic of discussion appropriate. Curse words should never be used in the work place, and all racial slurs should be avoided as well. It is also important to avoided using slang, as it may cause you to appear less intelligent and professional. Personal topics should not be discussed at work, and publicly conversing about personal affairs may be considered as sexual harassment to those in earshot.
Timeliness
Timeliness is of the utmost importance in any workplace. You should always strive to be early to work, meetings, conference calls, or any work-related appointment. Lateness gives the impression that you have more important things to do than work. It is also important to have tasks completed in a timely manner. You should try to have your work complete before it is due, last minute work is considered sloppy and careless. If you know that you are going to be late, or that you will not be able to complete an assignment on time, you should inform your boss as soon as possible.
Physical Appearance
The first thing people notice about an individual is their physical appearance. For this reason, it is important to look professional at all times. Hygiene is crucial, you should always have clean hair, clean clothes, and even clean finger nails. It is also important to follow any dress codes, and to really impress, it is wise to dress slightly above the requirement. Revealing clothing is always inappropriate, so ladies should keep their skirts long and their shirts buttoned.
These are the fundamental business etiquette tips that should be followed in any workplace. Proper etiquette shows that you are a professional, and it shows that you value your career.
Appropriate Language
Another business etiquette tip is that you should always use appropriate language in the workplace. Even if you are speaking to a friend on break, your coworkers or supervisors may overhear your conversation; so, it is always wise to keep your language and topic of discussion appropriate. Curse words should never be used in the work place, and all racial slurs should be avoided as well. It is also important to avoided using slang, as it may cause you to appear less intelligent and professional. Personal topics should not be discussed at work, and publicly conversing about personal affairs may be considered as sexual harassment to those in earshot.
Timeliness
Timeliness is of the utmost importance in any workplace. You should always strive to be early to work, meetings, conference calls, or any work-related appointment. Lateness gives the impression that you have more important things to do than work. It is also important to have tasks completed in a timely manner. You should try to have your work complete before it is due, last minute work is considered sloppy and careless. If you know that you are going to be late, or that you will not be able to complete an assignment on time, you should inform your boss as soon as possible.
Physical Appearance
The first thing people notice about an individual is their physical appearance. For this reason, it is important to look professional at all times. Hygiene is crucial, you should always have clean hair, clean clothes, and even clean finger nails. It is also important to follow any dress codes, and to really impress, it is wise to dress slightly above the requirement. Revealing clothing is always inappropriate, so ladies should keep their skirts long and their shirts buttoned.
These are the fundamental business etiquette tips that should be followed in any workplace. Proper etiquette shows that you are a professional, and it shows that you value your career.