Basic rules and principles of business etiquette
Adhering to a business code of conduct not only makes day-to-day work easier, but also has a close impact on careers and earnings. The right style and good manners are factors that affect your career. It will lead to better relationships with colleagues, subordinates and bosses.
Business, diplomacy and etiquette
Business etiquette is not only about rules that tell you how to conduct business negotiations at important meetings. The ability to behave correctly in any situation is no longer a desirable skill, it has become a necessity. It is also a great way to present yourself professionally even on less formal occasions.
Those who know them are well aware that good manners are one of the best investments.
In addition to proper etiquette, appearance and dress are also very important. First impressions are often critical to winning the liking of a contractor. Remember that your professionalism is emphasized by certain non-verbal behaviors, that is, attitude, smile, eye contact, gestures and vocal technique, whereby you amplify the power of the words you speak.
What is "savoir-vivre"?
This concept refers to customs, social forms, rules in force in the workplace, as well as the ability to behave in personal and professional life, the ability to cope with different situations.
The phrase savoir-vivre comes from French, in which savoir means to know and live. Hence, it is often translated as “the art of living”.
Savoir-vivre is based on four pillarswhich are the foundation of the art of living. The savoir-vivre rules are universal, regardless of location, social group, social or professional relationship.
- First, the principle of respect, which means that behavior is shown respect for another person regardless of age, gender, religion or any other point of view. By respecting someone's views, we give a person the right to express their opinion, even if we do not agree with him. We try not to make others feel uncomfortable with our behavior.
- Another indicator is the principle of adaptation, which emphasizes the ability to change our behavior and adapt to the circumstances, time of day, organizational culture of the company, to the customs adopted in a given place.
- The principle of moderation should be applied in all areas of our life. Keep it in your clothes, choosing accessories, makeup, and moderation in food and drink, in expressing emotions, in posing questions.
- On the other hand, the principle of common sense emphasizes that in all situations we must weigh words, gestures and actions, guided by reason, safety, and act consciously and with caution.
Having familiarized yourself with the basics of the label, let's now take a look at the select, detailed principles of the art of living, the knowledge of which helps to maintain good interpersonal, social and business relationships. These include such norms.
The principle of naturalness
The essence of the label is naturalness. We have to carry out every action naturally. Only in this way will we be credible. Some say that the rules of savoir-vivre are strict and there is no place for naturalness. It's OK.
If we know the rules well and use them freely, then we will automatically look natural.
The principle of tolerance
Tolerance is fundamental to maintaining good relationships with people. Tolerance is understanding in relation to other views, lifestyle, behavior, religion, culinary preferences. A person with a high personal culture is tolerant and patient.
Punctuality principle
We don't pay too much attention to punctuality at the moment, so someone else is late. Therefore, there is nothing more annoying than waiting for latecomers. You must understand that it is not acceptable to come later.
Let us also remember that arriving earlier than the appointed time can confuse the person with whom we have agreed. Therefore, in order not to create uncomfortable situations, come at the appointed time. Punctuality is an expression of respect for another person.
Basic rules of etiquette in business
When introducing yourself, in addition to your first and last name, please include your title and the name of the company you represent. There should be no academic, professional or pedigree names in this situation. A man should always be introduced to a woman, those who are junior in official position should be introduced to older ones, and not vice versa.
During the reception, the host should introduce a person that the other guests do not know. Likewise with the new employee in the company, represented by the boss.
Greetings are one of the most important elements of communication.
- Do not do this by accident or just by touching another person's hand with your fingertips. It is worth adding a smile and even pleasant words to the handshake. This technique must also be accompanied by eye contact.
- When we greet, we must look directly in the eyes. It is inappropriate to look sideways. If we are sitting at a table and someone wants to greet us with a handshake, we must definitely get up from the table. Giving a hand over the table is a sign of not knowing good manners. If a woman and a man are welcome, the woman extends her hand first. Also, the one who is younger or occupies a lesser position is supposed to come up and say hello first.It is also worth remembering that the person who is to initiate the handshake should not lean forward.
- You must show your respect for the guest by offering him a suitable place. The most honorable place is on the right side of the owner.
- Follow the rules of the dress code: the outfit speaks not only about you. Who we look like also affects the company's image. You can only make a good impression. Knowledge and the ability to adhere to a dress code are essential to achieve professional success and build relationships. A professional look is now one of the competencies of the employee. By not meeting the standards, you can stop the promotion.
- Learn to conduct business negotiations.
- Savoir-vivre phone Is an important part of a business lifestyle that cannot be ignored.
- Try to be polite and speak calmly. Before starting a dialogue, think about the topic and what kind of information you would like to receive from the other person. Be brief and specific. So you will show your professionalism and will not annoy the interlocutor.
- Turn off your phone during business meetings. If you are planning something like this, please devote all your time and attention to whoever you are talking to. If you are not expecting an urgent phone call, mute and turn off your phone.
- Be punctual - arrange meetings in advance. If you are running late, be sure to apologize and briefly explain to the host during the break so that you don't interrupt the meeting.
- Business card exchange always follows the end of the conversation. It is inappropriate to ask high-ranking officials, the elderly and women about this. You have to wait patiently until they suggest it themselves. Before you put the business card you receive in your business card holder, read it.
It's also worth learning the basic rules of elegance. Control over our gestures, facial expressions and position is the "label" of the company. In addition, the skillful use of traditional writing and e-mail will allow us to feel comfortable in difficult and unusual situations both in the ordinary daily life of the company and in the world of big business. All assumptions will help avoid embarrassing situations that often confuse us.
Through basic assumptions of business etiquette, we exploit the positive influence of personal culture on the quality of customer contact. It also allows you to show yourself in the right light as a successful person and behave in the right way in any situation.
The norms of the service code must be followed by everyone, their content is clearly spelled out. For a modern person, these requirements are not so difficult.
Moral general concepts should be present not only in business, but also in everyday life. The behavior and essence of an educated person is based on them.
You can learn about the most important business communication skills in the following video.