Etiquette - The 'Soft' factor

 “Civility costs nothing and buys everything” – Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

‘Sitting nervously in the reception area of a very big manufacturing agency, I was very conscious of the time running by. This was my ‘only’ chance to make a good first impression.  You see, I was meeting with a senior resource for an interview and I had come fully prepared. I had to watch my Body language, be prepared to answer well and nail that first impression.’ Today, companies recognize etiquette and soft skills as a form on business intelligence. Studies by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation and the Stanford Research Institute state that success in getting, keeping and advancing in a job depends 85 percent on people skills and only 15 percent on technical knowledge and skills.

Etiquette is simply a basic respect for yourself and others, to be considerate. It is important to realize that your actions have consequences and those consequences have a place in the world. The myth around etiquette is that it is a snobby set of rules around dining and conversing. Ideally, etiquette is about everyday courtesy and manners, both of which today’s society lacks.

When was the last time you noticed someone holding the door open for you, or apologize after bumping into you? The point is that today, people don’t care.

Etiquette goes a long way in defining our behavior – be it at a social event or for the critical success of your business. Let’s discuss the why and the how, but first, let us dispel a common myth:  Being polite doesn’t make you a doormat. Unlike the meek and mild stereotyped employee who gets walked over by everyone until one fine day, he blows some steam only to earn everyone’s respect.

Workplace etiquette has gained a lot of prominence over the years. As most people spend more time with their coworkers than with their families, it important to create an environment at work where people are comfortable. Nobody wants to spend eight hours a day with someone who just does not know how to behave!

When the workplace is pleasant, it generates efficiency and productivity as the number of distractions is reduced. In a simple yet significant way, workplace etiquette translates into workplace productivity.

The good news is that people skills can be learned. Equipping oneself with some basic protocols will carry over into every aspect of one’s career and will greatly increase their success rate.

Let us take a look at some basic workplace etiquette right here.

Courtesy begins with introductions. Making those initial encounters work determines your emerging business relationships to a large extent. Getting off on the wrong foot can make for a difficult relationship or no relationship at all. Your goal within the first few minutes of meeting other people is to make them feel comfortable and to put them at ease so they will want to do business or work with you. Here are simple strategies to get started.

Stand up whenever you meet or greet someone. Ensure you know whom to introduce first. Avoid offering a limp handshake. Make eye contact and pay attention to the names when you meet people.

Another important aspect of workplace etiquette is handling attire at the workplace. A golden rule is to dress the part you want rather than the one you have. Also, adhere to the formal guidelines your organization promulgates.

Cubicle protocol – This is probably the most highly ignored protocol. Working in cubicles is a big challenge and providing your peers with the privacy they deserve is another hurdle. Cubicles should ideally be treated like cabins.

Punctuality is a very interesting way to create a good impression. Being organized, neat and efficient shows clearly in one’s working style. Another grey area in workplace etiquette is cleanliness and hygiene – a much-avoided topic in most places.

It’s the tiny elements of etiquette that makes a difference to your social skills. Never forget your ‘please’ and ‘thank you’s and your sure to go a long way in getting, keeping and advancing in your job.

Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.  If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.  ~Emily Post