The Social Aspect of Business Etiquette

One of the most interesting yet most socially inept characters we all know from popular fiction is Michael Scott, the branch manager of Dunder Mifflin Paper Company, from the TV show ‘The Office’. Steve Carell, who plays the bumbling boss, acts the ‘politically incorrect’ role to the hilt. For the uninitiated, Michael Scott is a narcissistic yet naïve know-it-all. His publicity stunts always focus on himself while at the same time showing incredible unawareness toward the sensitivities of his fellow colleagues and clients he runs into. His penchant for attention, crave for adoration and extreme need for affirmation always manages to land him in the most awkward of situations that compromise his authority and/or integrity. Business Etiquette is not a term in Michael’s vocabulary.

We’ve all at some point in our personal or professional lives met a ‘Michael Scott’; people who seem strangely unaware of basic protocols of behavior at the workplace. And yet business etiquette is a crucially important dynamic to the harmonious functioning of a working environment. The way we interact with other people says a lot about us. Handshakes, eye contact and a warm smile creates a connection on a subconscious level that is friendly, non-hostile and completely professionally appropriate. It exudes a sense of confidence but also communicates a genuine interest in personal interactions with other people.

Introducing people also has a certain protocol to it – If one is introducing a high ranking individual to a group of people, it is appropriate to start from the lowest ranking executive to the top. Unwritten rules of conduct, hierarchy and protocol play an important role in associating with other colleagues form the workplace. Conversations are expected to be professionally related and personal topics of a sensitive and intimate nature are best left alone. Gossiping, even about fellow workers, is rude and offensive. Cell phone conversations are also expected to be kept at a minimum. Business etiquette seeks to meet the minimal standards of professional behavior in the workplace.

Business Etiquette Training programs are on the rise in businesses around the world as the importance of professionalism and protocol continue to increase in a pluralistic and globalizing corporate enterprise around the world. 

MMM Training Solutions conducts Soft Skills Training, corporate training, cross cultural training and leadership training programs for corporates in India and abroad.

The 3 Fundamentals of Business Etiquette

I was once told, rather nonchalantly by a friend, “that manners and etiquette is fine if you are ‘Ms. Elizabeth’ or ‘Mr. Darcy’ but in the ‘real’ world, we keep things real”. I found it rather strange that basic foundational mannerisms was restricted to the Victorian world of Pride & Prejudice notwithstanding of course the fact that the statement itself smacked of pride and would be by matter of condescension, certainly prejudiced! But is this necessarily true? Should basic manners and etiquette be strictly within the realms of the stiff upper-lipped Brits? Isn’t there a universally agreeable set of behavioral codes, at least in the modern industrialized world? I am of course a reasonable person and certainly don’t expect the Bondo clan in tribal India to know which side of the plate the spoon and fork should sit on! Just like social etiquette however, there is also such a thing as business etiquette. In this article we will look at 3 basic aspects of business etiquette:

Personal Appearance

The old adage goes, “first impressions are lasting impressions”. This is certainly true even in the business world. While business fashion is certainly evolving in major metropolitan cities like New York or Los Angeles, the conventional well-groomed executive in business attire is still the model of corporate professionalism. Although some may debate this opinion, one’s attire and personal cleanliness speaks volumes of the person’s values and character with regard to his or her perspective on business or professionalism. Purple hair, unshaven beard and a bow tie just might not seal the deal!

Personal Interaction

While elevated to ‘levels of honor’ in Eastern cultures, it is still considered professional to stand up to greet someone if previously seated. The handshake is still the benchmark for an appropriate greeting regardless of culture or gender. And these are best portrayed when accompanied by a warm smile. This sets the ‘mood’ for the meeting even before getting into the details. No hugs or kisses please!

Personal Habits

Punctuality is the accepted currency in the world of corporate meetings. Arriving late is considered rude and unprofessional. There are also certain protocols to follow during and after a meeting. Didn’t your mother ever teach you to say, “please” or “thank you”? Well it doesn’t matter – these are basic staples to any civilized conversation; unless of course you just happen to belong to the Bondo tribe!

 Business Etiquette Training is an integral part of every company’s strategy to acclimatize their employees to maintaining a professionally healthy rapport with clients and peer companies. 

MMM Training Solutions conducts Soft Skills Training, corporate training, cross cultural training and leadership training programs for corporates in India and abroad.

Why Business Etiquette Really Matters

Business etiquette is an integral part of a cohesive and functioning model within a corporate culture. With increase in technology changing the way people and businesses communicate and interact with each other, different levels within management or other areas have come closer than ever before, raising the need for an appropriate mode or medium of communicating and doing business. Business etiquette can be as simple or complex as intercultural etiquette, where there may be profound differences in the way people dress, speak, listen, address or function with each other. This is important because it provides the fluidity for seamless and streamlined interaction in a professional and courteous manner, without the risk of jeopardizing relations by way of offending through ignorance or negligence.

Business Etiquette can encompass a wide variety of aspects. These may range from verbal or non-verbal communication, eye contact, body language, gestures, etc. With the globalizing nature of industries and markets, understanding these key elements are crucial to the harmonious and productive functioning of personnel between diverse racial or corporate cultures. Franchises that operate internationally are especially vulnerable to this and must be aware of local norms, customs and sentiments before venturing into the foreign market. Another group of executives who fall into this segment are sales people who, by virtue of their job needs, may end up meeting a diverse group of people requiring specific sensitivities and tact according to the situation.

But business etiquette is not reserved only for senior or higher level administration. As mentioned before, in today’s world of virtual interactions and social media, professional etiquette is an ever increasing need that requires business etiquette training to be administered across all levels and departments of a company or organization. Businesses must first gain a first hand understanding of existing standards and norms before these are incorporated into training their employees. 

Business Etiquette Training is an integral part of the smooth and professional functioning of corporate dynamics in this modern times and society. 

MMM Training Solutions conducts Soft Skills Training, corporate training, cross cultural training and leadership training programs for corporates in India and abroad.