Mind Your Manners: It’s Good Business
Mom said it best: If you want to succeed in business, try to act like you weren’t raised in a barn.
But even though knowing how to behave is more important than ever, global alliances, new technology and an increasingly diverse work force have changed many of the old rules. 0. _______________
Here are a few tips from Sue Fox and Perrin Cunningham, authors of Business Etiquette for Dummies (Hungry Minds Inc.):
When someone gives you a business card, don’t just glance at it and slide4 it into your pocket. Instead, take a moment to read it thoroughly. You may want to repeat the person’s name to be sure of the correct pronunciation and/or ask about the person’s job responsibilities. 1. _______________
Treat everyone with courtesy, even co-workers who bug5 you. Remember the morning affirmation of Marcus Aurelius, a former Emperor of Rome: “Today I will be surrounded by people who irritate me. I will not demonstrate my irritation.”
Americans routinely eat French fries with their fingers. But in France, pommes frites are eaten with a knife and fork. When you dine overseas or with an international group, be especially watchful of the behaviour of your companions. When in doubt, use a knife and fork.
Be careful how you sit. Jiggling6 your knee is a sign of nervousness. Leaning forward can, at times, suggest aggressiveness, so do it with care. Leaning back with your hands behind your head and your pelvis lifted is an unseemly display for a man. So is sitting with your legs open if no desk shields your conversation partner from you. 2. _______________
Giving your boss a gift? Use extreme caution. Extravagant gift-giving is bad strategy (it may look as if you’re trying to curry favour or offer a bribe) and in poor taste. 3. _______________
When making introductions, observe the “pecking order”. Always present the “lesser” person to the more senior person. For instance:
“Ms. Executive, I’d like to introduce Mr. Assistant to you.”
“Mr. Client, I’d like to introduce my partner.”
“Governor, may I introduce Ms. Citizen.”
“Two-Year Employee, this is Ms. New Employee.”
If you’re hosting foreign visitors, ditch the slang. Idioms can be confusing to foreign visitors, even if they speak the King’s English better than you do. 4. _______________ A sentence such as, “The printer works 24/7, so I’ll get you that report ASAP7 unless the finance guy is AWOL8 again today” can be difficult for even a U.S. native to understand.
When dining with colleagues, follow the senior person’s lead. If he or she orders an appetizer and an additional side dish, you should, too. 5. _______________ And although you can always drink less than the senior person, you should never drink more. Two or three glasses of wine during a business dinner is plenty for anyone.
Be discreet with your pager. If at all possible, keep your pager on the vibrate mode. If you absolutely must have your beeper tone on, know exactly where your pager is so you can shut it off immediately. Every second you spend fumbling9 through your jacket pockets or purse while your pager plays “God Bless America” is more bad business karma10 piling up11. 6. _______________ Wait until it is your turn to speak, then excuse yourself for a moment. Better still, wait until your meeting is over to check your message.