Workplace etiquette
- 2. • Marketing executives Arvind Vyas and Supriya Verma are on a client visit. On nearing the glass doors to the office, Arvind pushes his way through first, without taking into consideration that his female colleague is just two steps behind. He lets go of the door, which promptly closes in Supriya's face! • Understandably, Supriya is quite piqued -- Arvind clearly displays a lack of manners. It is customary for a gentleman to not only open any door for a lady, but to politely usher her through before making his own way in. In fact, whoever reaches a door first, irrespective of gender, needs to hold the door open for the person behind. It is such a simple task and yet so many of us fail to do it.
- 3. • The globalization of businesses in India has vastly improved manners at work, but there is still much to be desired. In far too many companies, basic courtesies are still overlooked. Every work place has its own complex dynamics but the basic social rules which make people comfortable with each other remain valid in every working situation.
- 4. Here are certain guidelines to follow in a working environment…
- 5. How to welcome newcomers • Newcomers should be welcomed by their seniors and colleagues. • They should be briefed about their jobs and company practices. • Staff at any level should be introduced to any newcomers they encounter. • Courtesies should be extended to everyone you meet, irrespective of whether it's the receptionist or the CEO. • Avoid asking personal questions regarding the newcomer's educational qualifications/ parentage/ marital status/ age/ income etc. • Our names are an important symbol of our identity. Do not mispronounce, misspell or mix-up anybody's name.' • Using someone's first name usually implies that you are superior to him, decidedly equal or friends. Therefore, it is best to start off formally. Use their surnames, preceded by Mr, Mrs or Ms. He/ she can then easily suggest that you use a first name.
- 6. How to show courtesy towards colleagues • Greet everyone you encounter cheerfully and with a smile on your way into the office. On your way out, remember to thank the receptionist / office boys etc. • Good bosses, employees and colleagues don't forget their manners. Remember 'please' and 'thank you'. • Always show your appreciation with a smile. • Small talk and light chitter chatter at work is essential; it expresses friendliness without demanding attention. Whether you talk about the traffic or the weather, the vital message is that you are all part of the same team. • Be polite to hired help like peons, drivers, delivery boys etc. • Do not talk loudly when you talk over the phone or to your colleagues. Talk in a soft and clear voice. • Take instructions with grace and give instructions gracefully. • On occasions like birthdays, staff members should receive a personal gift, good wishes and words of appreciation from the boss and colleagues.
- 7. How to make yourself likeable and pleasant to work with • Don't be a whiner who is always complaining and miserable with his/ her lot in life. • Never use words like 'can't' and 'won't', nor phrases like 'I'm busy' and 'that's not my job'. • Do not criticize anyone -- that's not your job. And if you get criticized, be professional about it. Do not take it personally. • Keep personal conversations down to a minimum and keep out of earshot of others. • It is shabby to look through people's computers, emails or letters -- and don't ever make the mistake of sneaking into people's personal property like handbags or wallets. Be responsible for your own property and valuables. If you lose your expensive items, everybody else becomes a suspect and nobody likes being one! • Never borrow anything from someone's desk without permission and when you do always return it in good condition.
- 8. How to make yourself likeable and pleasant to work with • Do not misuse office property. Keep your workplace orderly. Do not infringe on other people's space • Be friendly with colleagues of the opposite sex but know where to draw the line. Don't get involved needlessly in any situation which could lead to embarrassment and could potentially damage not only your reputation, but that of the organization as well. • Do not get indulge in office gossip or discuss delicate topics (religion, politics, money, sex etc). • Do not fidget or make unnecessary sounds which can be distracting to your co-workers. • Maintain stringent standards of personal hygiene. Do clean up after yourself when you use the restrooms so the next person using it does not have to scrunch up his/ her nose! • Do not convert your desktop into a place of worship. Since you might be working with people who follow different faiths, it might be better to display a vase of flowers instead.
- 9. Business meeting etiquette • Be punctual. If you are late, apologize briefly but sincerely and immediately give total attention to the meeting. Those who wish to leave early should ask their seniors' permission beforehand. Leave quietly, with an 'excuse me' and catch the eye of the person who is talking at that point. • Dress well -- it gives a good impression. • Always remember to switch of your mobile phone. • Do your homework; get all your facts and figures in order. Go prepared. • Never interrupt anyone -- even if you disagree strongly. Note what has been said and return to it later with the chair's permission. • When speaking, be brief and ensure that what you say is relevant. • Thanking the person who organized the meeting is not only good etiquette; it is also a sign of respect.
- 10. An organization where people treat each other well tends to be more successful than others.