Working with people
Business Etiquettes
How to walk the line at workplace
4 min readSep 2, 2021
The Etiquette Edge: Modern Manners for Business Success by Beverly Y. Langford
General
- “Avoid appearing superior or condescending.”
Communication
- “Avoid excessive praise of the boss.”
- “Don’t praise as a prelude to a request.”
- Avoid revealing sensitive information or secret.
- “Don’t expect or demand reciprocity.” when we reveal personal information about ourselves.
- “Keep your manager in the loop.” while working the project because bosses hate nasty surprises.
- “Deflate the issue with humor.”
New Hire
- “Don’t be a know-it-all.”
- “Take the initiative and be friendly”
- Avoid instant “friendships.”
- “Earn a reputation as a team player.”
- “Ask questions and solicit feedback.”
- “Get to know the corporate culture.”
Virtual Meeting
- “Identify yourself each time you speak.” if self invited speaking.
- “Introduce the participants.” if hosting.
- “Send materials out early.”
Modern Etiquette for a Better Life: Master All Social and Business Exchanges by Diane Gottsman
Business Calls
- “ Always identify yourself immediately.”
- “Follow up with a date and time for the next conversation (if appropriate).”
- “The last words heard should be “Is there anything else I may do to assist you?” and “Good-bye.”
- “Begin with a professional greeting; e.g., “Dear John.”
Social Media
- “Ask permission before tagging a friend or co-worker.”
Business Etiquette Made Easy: The Essential Guide to Professional Success by Myka Meier
- “Dear XX,” “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening” are all appropriate greetings.”
- “Best regards,” is the most professional closing. Suggested alternatives, depending on your relationship, personality, or industry also include but are not limited to “With regards,” “Kind regards,” “Warmest regards,” and “With best wishes,”.”
- “After the first couple of emails back-and-forth, a formal greeting may start to come across as unnatural. After I have spoken in an email chain a few times, I tone down the formality a bit and stop using Dear/Good morning, etc. and instead, depending on the conversation, just jump into the email. For instance, after three to four emails I may start an email with “Thank you, Karen. That sounds fantastic and I look forward to meeting with you tomorrow. Best regards, Myka.”
- “ For informal groups or emails you can say “Dear all,” or for formal groups or emails you can keep it to “Good morning,” etc., as that would cover addressing everyone.”
- “As discussed,” can come across as condescending. “In regard to points X, Y, Z . . .” is more appropriate.”
- “No problem” is a problem! As it’s hard to read someone’s tone in an email, responding to someone’s request with these two words could be taken as you having an attitude.”
- “Always ask someone before you forward their email.”
- “Don’t include emojis in formal business emails. Socially it’s fine to text and email whatever emojis make you happy, but not in business. I advise not including emojis in work emails, as this is often seen as unprofessional.”
Excuse Me: The Survival Guide to Modern Business Etiquette by Rosanne J. Thomas
New Hire
- Arrive early
- Thank everyone
Business Calls
- “Answer professionally and enthusiastically, ideally by the second ring. Offer a greeting, “Hello” or “Good morning,” followed by the company or department name and your full name. Put a smile in your voice. If callers identify themselves, refer to them by their name and add “Mr.” or “Ms.” Use first names only if invited.”
- “Ask permission before placing someone on hold, and wait for an answer.”
Wait, How Do I Write This Email?: Game-Changing Templates for Networking and the Job Search by Danny Rubin
Business Call
- Identify yourself with “Hi _____, I’m Jek and I’m calling about…” — Do NOT use This is Jek.
From A Source
Mindset
- Be one who is astute
- Be one who has proper manner
- Be one who firmly retains in mind what he has learned
- Be one who is learned
- Be one who is an expert on the discipline
- Be one who can speak on the trade
- Be one who is easy to correct
- Be one who accepts instruction respectfully
Suggestions from Reddit.com
Communication
- Answer how was your weekend with “It’s well — quiet enough to read a book.” Even if I had lunch with a famous person or attended a baby shower, it should still be “It’s quiet enough…”
- Answer how was your weekend with “I wouldn’t complain if it was a few days longer.”
- Answer how are you with “oh terrible, but I’m used to it.”
- Answer how are you with “I’m well.”
- Answer how are you with “Sad! It’s Monday.”
- Answer how are you with “Oh Happy Friday! I’m very well.”
- Answer any plans this weekend with “Planning to read a good book.”
- Don’t reveal too much about yourself.
- Do ask questions. A lot of questions. About the job. Because people would rather deal withe mild annoyance of questions than failures to do things properly.
- Listen.
General
- Replenish water cooler
- Do introduce yourself and be friendly.
- Do show up early every day.
- Don’t think you know everything.
- Don’t get angry or blow up in anyone’s face no matter your state of mind.
- Don’t talk about politics or religion.
- Be polite but keep your opinions to yourself.
- Do memorise or write people’s names down.
Relevance
- Keep a schedule of your achievements or things that you’re proud of in a safe file.
- Keep your resume updated.
