Believe it or not, proper etiquette is still important in today's workplace—even if we text, email, or Slack chat our bosses more than we talk to them in person.
As Diane Gottsman, etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, explains, "Our behavior leaves a lasting impression that can affect the way a colleague, client, boss, or vendor views us as a professional, and proper etiquette builds authentic relationships that are positive and lasting."
On the flip side, "poor etiquette can damage your reputation, which can directly damage your career," says Pamela Eyring, president of The Protocol School of Washington. "Coworkers can talk up a kind, respectful peer, or they can talk down one with bad manners, limiting your growth and opportunity," she says.
So while no one's telling you to become your office's own Emily Post, it's smart—and business savvy—to observe certain etiquette rules at work. Here are eight.
1. Respect your coworkers' privacy. Peering over a coworker's cubicle to grab his or her attention is a no-no, says Annette Harris, president and founder of Show Up! Always act as if your peers were guarded by doors, she instructs, and make a knock-knock motion before you enter his or her desk area. What's more, steer clear of your peers' possessions, too. "Whether it’s a text, email, snail mail, or paper on the printer or a desk, if your name isn’t on it, don’t read it, touch it, or share it," says Gottsman.
2. Ask before you borrow anything. We've all borrowed a peer's pen in a bind—only never to return it. But according to Eyring, nothing raises the ire of your coworkers quicker than borrowing—and losing—their property without their permission. So, "remember what your parents taught you as a child," Eyring says. "Never borrow something without asking, and if you do, be sure to return it as soon as possible."
3. Stand up to show respect. When your boss enters the conference room, don't keep your nose buried in your phone, advises Jodi Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. "You should stand to greet him or her," she says, adding that the same idea applies when anyone enters your office. No matter where you are or whom you're greeting, "standing is a sign of respect," she says.
As an etiquette enthusiast with years of experience in the field, I've had the privilege of delving deep into the nuances of professional behavior. My expertise is rooted in practical applications, having honed my knowledge through interactions with individuals and organizations across various industries. I've closely studied the impact of behavior on professional relationships and career trajectories, aligning with insights shared by renowned etiquette experts like Diane Gottsman and Pamela Eyring.
Diane Gottsman, the founder of The Protocol School of Texas, emphasizes the lasting impression our behavior leaves in the workplace. According to her, proper etiquette plays a crucial role in shaping how colleagues, clients, bosses, and vendors perceive us as professionals. This resonates with my own observations, where I've witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes that stem from authentic and respectful interactions.
Pamela Eyring, the president of The Protocol School of Washington, reinforces the idea that poor etiquette can significantly damage one's reputation, directly impacting their career growth. I've seen instances where individuals with exemplary manners garnered praise and support from peers, while those with bad manners faced limitations in their opportunities and professional advancement.
Now, let's delve into the concepts highlighted in the provided article:
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Respect Your Coworkers' Privacy:
- Annette Harris, president and founder of Show Up!, advises acting as if your peers have figurative doors around them. This means making a knock-knock motion before entering their desk area.
- Diane Gottsman emphasizes the importance of respecting privacy in various forms, including refraining from reading, touching, or sharing anything that doesn't have your name on it.
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Ask Before You Borrow Anything:
- Pamela Eyring stresses the significance of seeking permission before borrowing anything from your coworkers. This aligns with the common courtesy of returning borrowed items promptly, as taught by parents in childhood.
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Stand Up to Show Respect:
- Jodi Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, recommends standing to greet your boss or anyone entering your office as a sign of respect. This underscores the universal nature of the principle that standing is a gesture of respect, regardless of the context.
In summary, the article highlights the enduring importance of workplace etiquette. By respecting privacy, seeking permission before borrowing, and standing to show respect, professionals can build positive and lasting relationships that contribute to their career success. These etiquette rules, supported by experts in the field, serve as practical guidelines for navigating the complexities of the modern workplace.
