Corporate etiquette

EtiquetteWhat is etiquette?Etiquette is a French word which means ticket.

In a professional sense, this includes behaviour towards clients and colleagues which is in their best interest.

How is your behaviour in a particular situation? How well-mannered are you? Are you considerate and polite? Do you follow the basic rules and guidelines of good conduct in a particular situation?

Constituents of EtiquetteThe impression that you create in first 10 seconds

How you look and dress

Your conduct at workplace

Your body language

How you introduce yourself and others

Your business card

Dining and gifts

Meeting clients

Travelling

Gender Issues

Certain important Business EtiquetteDining Etiquette Telephone Etiquette Office Etiquette Meeting Etiquette Business card Etiquette Cubicle Etiquette Dress Etiquette NetworkingCorporate EtiquetteFirst ImpressionPresent yourself wellAttireConduct at workplaceBody languageBusiness CardDining and giftsMeeting clients

IntroductionIntroduce people in a business situation. Always rise as a mark of respect. Look into the eyes and smile. Give a firm handshake.Introduce the younger to the older and introduce a man to a woman.A,B,Cs of ImageAppearance Color, wardrobe, grooming

Behavior Etiquette, civility, attitude

Communication Verbal, nonverbal, written

AttireOne must dress as per the occasion. Wear professional colours.Designer shirts to work. TiesBelts Shoes Perfume or deodorant.Attire (Females )

Formal wear. Saris. Western formals, scarf.Jewellery.HeelsHandbagEyebrow, naval, lip piercing.

Dos and Donts at workplace

Never adopt a casual attitude at work. Do not peep into others cubicles.Put your cell phone in the silent or vibrating mode.Never open anyone elses notepads or files without their permission.Do not sneeze or cough in public without covering your mouth.Stay away from nasty politics. Keep your workstation clean and tidy. Never criticize or any of your colleagues.Take care of your pitch and tone.Grooming in public.Communicate through written modes of communication preferably through emails. Keep your reporting boss in the loop.Make sure email signatures are correct.Reach office on time. Discipline.Confidential data in any form must not be passed to anyone outside the organization.Office Stationery is meant to be used only at work. Never ever drink while you are at work. Smoke only at the smoking zones.While having lunch together, do not start till the others have received their food. Make sure your spoon and fork do not make a clattering sound. Eat slowly to avoid burping in public.Do not leave the restroom with taps on.

Telephone Etiquette Pleasant voice and tone.Calling at odd hours. Speaking each and every word clearly. Crisp and relevant content. Holds Speakers and other noise.Chewing or eating during a call.Disturbance in the networkEnding a conversation.

Dont reserve your best behavior for special occasions. You cant have two sets of manners, two social codes one for those you admire and want to impress, another for those whom you consider unimportant. You must be the same to all people. ~Lillian Eichler WatsoMeeting EtiquetteAccording to Payne, there are ten etiquette guidelines for formal meeting.Prepare well for the meeting, as your contribution may be integral.Dress well and arrive in good time. Remember to switch off your mobile phone. If there is an established seating pattern, follow it. Acknowledge the chair and others in the introduction or opening remarks.

During discussions, allow senior figures to contribute first.Never interrupt anyone--- even if you disagree strongly.When speaking, be brief, say what is relevant.Always address the chair unless it is clear that others are not doing so.It is a serious breach of business etiquette to divulge information to others about a meeting.

Business CardsBring your business card case and keep it in an outside easily-accessible pocket.Make sure you have enough business cards that are in good condition.Business cards can be given after introduction or after the meeting ends.Place your business cards in a readily available place, such as pocket.

Ask for someones card before offering yours.Put business cards received in a separate pocket.Present card face up.Show interest in a business card you receive. Try to make a short observational comment, such as: Youre located in Bangalore-that is one of my favourite cities!

Dining EtiquetteThank You !