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You may not have considered it before, but what your mother taught you about etiquette also applies at the office. From your response to water cooler gossip to your consideration of others’ time off, your command of appropriate office behavior can significantly contribute to how you are perceived at work. The more gracious your behavior, the more likely your peers and supervisors are to regard you in a positive light.
If you feel less confident about your understanding of proper office etiquette than your accounting know-how, have no fear. Proper professional conduct is a skill set that can be learned. Here are some tips to make your workplace manners shine:
- Dress the part. Your attire is an important part of professional etiquette. Even if your office dress code is casual, make sure your clothing is tasteful and tends more toward the conventional end of the spectrum rather than the avant-garde. In workplaces that require a more traditional wardrobe, stick with suits in conservative colors, such as grey, beige, navy or brown. If your firm has no official dress code, emulate what your supervisor and other managers are wearing.
- First impressions. When you are introduced to someone, stand when that person enters the room, make eye contact, and shake hands firmly. Listen attentively, don’t interrupt, and don’t monopolize the conversation. Before entering a new professional situation, it’s smart to prepare a 30-second synopsis or "elevator pitch" of who you are and what you do. This will help you to present yourself graciously, memorably, and with confidence.
- Discretion. A key component of professional polish is being positive and pleasant to be around. Combat negativity at the office by avoiding gossip. When a coworker tells you something in confidence, keep it private.
- Managing work-life balance. As you juggle personal commitments and professional obligations, be considerate of your coworkers. If you telecommute or have a flexible schedule, ensure colleagues are aware of your schedule. When you make a vacation request, check with your manager and colleagues to help determine whether they intend to take time off during the same period. If necessary, show flexibility with your plans to ensure adequate office coverage.
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