** Editor's note: This new series features answers to the most commonly asked workplace etiquette questions. With the persistence of technology in our everyday lives, what can we do about the person who constantly checks their phone during conversations, meetings, etc? Sadly, we are becoming addicted to our cell phones. These new devices, like any [...]
** Editor's note: This new series features answers to the most commonly asked workplace etiquette questions. How do you handle a situation in the workplace involving someone who brings in a stinky lunch or who does not clean the communal kitchen space? Strange as this question may seem to many people because the answer lies [...]
** Editor's note: This new series features answers to the most commonly asked workplace etiquette questions. Now that most, if not all, workplaces have banned smoking, what is the etiquette around taking smoke breaks at work or being respectful to non-smokers? Smoking policies in the workplace are usually very clear and are written in policy [...]
Establishing workplace relationships is critical to the success of any company – large or small. Being able to make a memorable (for a good reason) introduction is your ticket to such opportunities. Although being nervous or enervated, when meeting new clients is usual, there is a distinct difference between angst and 'the force.' Making a [...]
Eye contact is the single most important part of making a proper introduction. The eyes are the portals to the soul. There is very little as revealing as the first eye contact we make with any other living being, including dogs, small children, and potential clients. A smile attached to that first glance speaks volumes. [...]
The first physical contact people have with one another is a handshake. The messages conveyed in a simple handshake can be complex and very revealing even in their subliminal subtleties. Ideally a handshake involves one hand from each person. The web of each hand meets followed by a firm grip and two or three up [...]
Fundamentally there is no difference between the etiquette of handling a cell phone than there is a land line. Nor is there any difference between an email and a posted letter except for the speed of delivery. When you receive any phone message, you should return it as quickly as possible, although a phone message should [...]
Meetings are a usual workplace activity, sometimes occurring on a daily basis. Time is a precious commodity during the workday and efficient use of it during meetings is essential. Here are some key pieces of advice to enhance your professionalism at business meetings. Dress appropriately. Professional appearance is crucial to the tone of the meeting. [...]
Customers come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes. Unfortunately so do the people businesses choose to put on the front lines of customer service. How well we make these choices has an enormous impact on our company’s reputation and bottom line. Because we conduct business with humans and not machines (usually), we are subject to [...]
There are offices, and then there are offices. Whatever line of work you choose, if an office is part of the equation, so too is interacting with co-workers. In a frightening downward spiral, the way most of us dress to go to work is unprofessional. A company’s image is reflected in its employees - their [...]
