1. Business and
Workplace Etiquette
Treat People as if they were what they
ought to be and you help them to become
what they are capable of being.”
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2. Generational Graciousness
It seems that today the rule is to break all the rules!
Unfortunately, when it comes to how we treat one another,
some people don't even know the rules. Or maybe one
generation knows them and another generation doesn't.
This can lead to challenges, upsets, miscommunication
and lack of fluidity in interpersonal communications.
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3. Basics of etiquettes
The only way this challenge can be overcome is to return
to a few basics that aren't so much about strict etiquette
rules, but more about good old-fashion kindness. This will
keep the courtesy going and make working around
multigenerational mixes more productive and profitable.
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4. Respect
The First Basic: Respect: We all want respect, no matter
what age we are. Not only for what we can contribute but
also for the simple fact that we have survived for any
length of time. The more mature worker may feel that the
years they have put in have earned them respect, while
the younger worker feels their skills and newly acquired
education earn them respect. Both are right. The
challenge is not to think that one is better than the other
in terms of who deserves more respect. The key is to
know that each person, no matter how long they've
worked or how adept their skill set, deserves respect,
because we are all experiencing the human condition.
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6. Rules
Call people by their formal name when meeting them for
the first time unless you are introduced to them by only
their first name. Otherwise address everyone formally
until they ask you to use their first name. Do this with
everyone you meet, it's a sign of respect and it's ageless.
2. Introduce everyone, no matter who they are. If you
want to break down barriers, between different ages
groups, genders and nationalities, you need to make
people feel valued. The best way to do this is to introduce
people to each other whenever the opportunity presents
itself. Always over-introduce and you will show your
etiquette savvy and important allies too.
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7. A few Respect Ideas
. Be the first to extend your hand for a handshake, and look the
person in the eye. This small act of courtesy goes a long way in
making sure all generations work well together. In today's more
casual society some people have forgotten this very important
gesture. Everyone needs to learn to give a good handshake that
conveys the message, "Welcome! I'm open to engage in
conversation with you!" If you have a wimpy handshake, work on
improving it since this gesture will backfire if instead of showing
your confidence and charm you show your lack of it.
Say "Please" and "Thank you"! This little courtesy is vital to show
respect, make people understand you are aware of what they can
and have done, and also to help you in all communications with
others. When a person forgets something as simple as a "please"
or "thank you" it shows lack of concern for others which is
disrespectful and degrading
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11. The Second Basic - Kindness
Anyone who thinks that kindness isn't a
necessity in today's work environment
isn't thinking. Kindness is one of the
most important skills in dealing with
people of all ages. Every living thing
responds to kindness. Use this skill and
good things will happen.
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13. A few kindness ideas...
1. Ask others if you can get them something
while you're up or while you're out. This will
show your willingness to help others and also
that you are thinking of more than yourself.
2. Pick up after yourself so others don't have to.
This is a kindness no one will notice unless you
don't do it and then it will not only be noticed,
but talked about and resented.
3. Keep gossip or hurtful information to yourself.
This is one of the most beneficial things for
everyone. Gossip is not kind. Would you like
someone to gossip about you?
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14. The Third Basic - Integrity
When we make a promise or give our
word we need to follow through on our
word. If we are unable to keep the
promise or fulfill the commitment, we
must be prepared to make things right.
Trust is a fragile thing...very easily
broken and very difficult to regain.
People who have integrity are people we
can trust.
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15. Business Etiquette Essentials
Experts suggest applying these basic guidelines to managing all
business relationships:
Start with consideration and respect. No matter whom you come in
contact with, that person deserves respectful treatment. Even if you
dislike someone or his or her own behavior, you’ll come out on top if you
consider that person’s needs and maintain a respectful manner.
Never interrupt. In casual work environments, people can easily forget
basic courtesy, and interruption becomes a real problem. Remember
that it’s always rude to interrupt, especially when someone is making an
important point or addressing a group. Walking unannounced or
uninvited into someone’s office is another form of interruption, and it
makes a bad impression. “You may not need to make an appointment
to see your boss or a colleague,” but you should always make sure the
person is not busy when you want to talk.”
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16. Business Etiquette Essentials
Leave gender out of the equation. Coworkers are peers, regardless of gender. It
isn’t necessary to compliment a man’s attire or hold a door open for a woman. In
fact, some professionals see such behavior as insulting or demeaning. “People
confuse common courtesy with chivalry,” says Gregg. “If someone is struggling
with a load of books, it’s only polite to offer to help. But if a guy holds a door open
and says ‘After you, ladies,’ he may be viewed as a pig. The office is not the right
place for chivalry.” Of course, dirty jokes, off-color remarks, and discussion of
certain private matters are no-no’s, period.
Language counts. Your point won’t come across any better if you use rude,
derogatory, or obscene language, no matter whom you’re addressing. Talk like a
professional and you’ll be seen as one.
Be careful which “crowd” you associate with. It may be more fun to hang out with
the group that talks loudly, cracks jokes, and makes fun of coworkers, but doing
so could leave a bad impression with the boss. “It’s nice to fit in “especially when
you have to spend so much time with the same people. But work isn’t a place
where you hang out with friends and laugh it up. It’s a place to get work done.
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