SOCIAL & BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

“In this life, there are two kinds of Class: First Class or No Class. You must develop the first or you will have to live with the second. Many people go through life unaware of the consequences of how they present themselves.”

William Thourlby

2

Etiquette - unenforced standards of conduct which shows that you are proper, polite and refined.

MannersCourtesyAppropriate social behaviour

What is etiquette?What is etiquette?

Consideration for others– Learn to say kind and pleasant things– Make excuses for others– Make others comfortable around you– Do not meddle or bear tales

Etiquette is …Etiquette is …

Courtesy – Good Manners– Civility– Good Breeding– Graciousness– Polish– Poise

Etiquette is…Etiquette is…

Write memosConduct meetingsAnswer phone callsInteract at all levels

Good business etiquette Good business etiquette should reflect in the way you:should reflect in the way you:

When being introducedWhen saying goodbyeWhen someone comes into your officeWhen you run into someone outside

the officeWhen you host a gathering

When to Shake When to Shake HandsHands

Handshaking - The Ultimate Handshaking - The Ultimate GreetingGreeting

– Handshaking HelpsExtend your hand with confidenceWithin a second or two of meeting the

customerMake eye contact as you shake hands

Handshaking - The Ultimate Handshaking - The Ultimate GreetingGreeting

Always be ready to initiate or receive a handshake in business and social arenas

The right hand must always be freeThe left hand should hold only one itemExtend your hand with the thumb up and

fingers outWeb to webShake from the elbow

The correct handshakeThe correct handshake

FirmDirectProfessional

BRIEF

Unacceptable handshakeUnacceptable handshake

The double

handshake

Double Handshake

Unacceptable handshakeUnacceptable handshake

Timid/limp Handshake

Unacceptable handshakeUnacceptable handshake The bone crusher

Handshake Does not impress Save it for the Gym

In a group, don’t attempt to shake hands with everyone

For men, don’t shake hands with a lady. The initiative must come from the lady

Do not offer your hand to a senior personHandshakes should be firm and not

prolonged

Rules of handshakesRules of handshakes

Never give yourself an honorific If you forget a name, don’t guess Use first name or nick name only with permission Introduce from junior to senior executive When being introduced

– Rise up– Step forward– Smile– Give your name if necessary

Introducing/Addressing Introducing/Addressing PeoplePeople

TOXIC TRAITS Traits that detract from your Poise

Offensive Physical ActionsOutward display of tasteless behaviour

Don’t cosy up to someone with whom you are engaged in a one on one conversation.

One’s ‘personal zone’ of inviolate space is generally 18 inches to 3 feet around them.

Too Close for ComfortToo Close for Comfort

Wrong territoryWrong territory

Too close for comfortSave for intimate times

Right TerritoryRight Territory

This is a comfortable

Professional position

In a business setting, 3 feet to 4 feet is the correct distance and should be applied when:

Standing greetings Walking up to someone’s desk Coming up behind someone

6 feet is considered distant or aloof.

The spacing guidelinesThe spacing guidelines

Outside of visiting a good friend, or the standard business handshake, the rule is ‘No Touching’.

Touching rulesTouching rules

Never touch a male business associate! It is guaranteed to generate all the wrong impressions

Touching rules cont’d…Touching rules cont’d…

Don’t just go there coldTake a pack of your business cardsLook professionalAppear friendlyPrepare a short introduction of yourself

Take initiative Stay focused

NetworkingNetworking

High risk to career developmentAvoid it if possibleManage it if it can’t be helped

OFFICE ROMANCEOFFICE ROMANCE

Negotiate itAvoid quiet private encountersAvoid intimate manoeuvresDon’t place the relationship before

your job

How to Manage Office How to Manage Office RomanceRomance

Don’t discuss your affair with colleaguesDon’t seek sympathy from colleaguesBe diplomatic alwaysDon’t both arrive at work together

How to Manage Office RomanceHow to Manage Office Romance

If You Don’t Want to Be Involved avoid any situations that could spark it off such as:

Lunch togetherRidesDiscussing personal detailsAlone together behind closed doors

How to Manage Office RomanceHow to Manage Office Romance