Professional Etiquette

By Racheal Kizza

Business professionals are expected to understand etiquette and professional protocol, and while the standards have changed over the past century, there are still many rules of common professional manners. You can have the resume and the degree, but if you don't have the manners, you probably don't get the job. Your academic knowledge and skills may be spectacular, but do you have the social skills needed to be successful in the workplace? Good professional etiquette indicates to potential employers that you are a mature, responsible adult who can aptly represent their company. Not knowing proper etiquette could damage your image, prevent you from getting a job and jeopardize personal and business relationships.

Etiquette is the proper mode of conduct or procedure within a certain social realm. Being aware of certain conventions will give you a professional and attractive look. And though practicing good etiquette alone won't get you up the business ladder, it certainly will give you a boost. Professional etiquette is based on the expectation of respectful, cultured behavior, including courteous manners, appropriate image, and appropriate communications.

People’s backgrounds, cultures, religions determine whether they will take on a certain form of etiquette.  It is rude to talk loudly on the phone even if it’s a taxi or office space but how many of us catch ourselves doing it on a daily basis? It is rude to talk while having food in the mouth, but people do it always. How many of us catch ourselves using office printers to print and photocopy their own documents and not office documents? All this is to be considered under professional etiquette and there is need for people to constantly evaluate themselves so they readjust where necessary.

Etiquette is acceptable conduct in a given setting or society. There is universal etiquette which applies to all people regardless of color, race, tribe or nationality for example honest, respect, accountability, loyalty, et cetera.

Introductions are popular but how many follow the three basic rules; a smile, handshake and eye contact. Good social skills include having a firm handshake, smiling, making eye contact and closing the meeting with a handshake. Many a times when people are being introduced they fail at one of the basic rules hence failing at professional etiquette. It is a general rule as introductions are being made, the lesser authority is introduced to the greater authority and if the lesser authority is seated he/ she should stand up. Make sure to look people in the eyes and smile in order to seem confident and approachable. If you are seated while being introduced to someone, stand to greet that person and shake his or her hand. Have a firm handshake, but avoid death grips. If you are given a name tag, put it high on your right shoulder; that way, while you shake hands, people can follow the line of your arm straight up to your name without having to scan your chest.

Observation and paying attention to detail is part of etiquette for this helps when it comes to respecting other people’s cultural and religious values. For example in India, handshakes are not popular but a nod of the head is used when being introduced. This will cause a problem if the person being introduced to   the Indian doesn't know the culture. Knowledge is power and there   is know grace in being ignorant. In the end respect is built .In an open place environment or work place, respecting people’s beliefs, culture and religion are important. Case in point respecting office space, furniture, fellow employees.

There is a saying, ‘Image is everything’, and in order to fit in a certain environment you need to dress and act like the people in that environment. Though I would caution the ladies to keep the makeup minimal, should not reveal too much when it comes to dress code since less is classy. For the gentle men; the hair should be neat and well kept  the belt should match with the shoes and also they should keep to darker shades of suits.

Just one etiquette blunder could cost you your dream job! To build good relationships with customers and clients, employers want their employees to have good business etiquette skills. In today's competitive job market, employers are very choosy in who they hire. To keep pace with the competition, you need to avoid making any etiquette errors.

Professional etiquette is associated with business competence because it enhances the ability to connect positively and develop rapport with people-very important for business success. If you don't understand and exhibit expected etiquette, employers are likely to assume you are not professionally competent. They won't want you working with their clients or customers or representing them or their organizations. You could be seen as a liability who could cost them business. Peace and tranquility is bred when there is respect for professional etiquette which builds a harmonious environment.