Top 5 Business Etiquette Faux Pas
January 12, 2012
Make no mistake, etiquette is as important in business as it is in everyday life. Knowing how to present yourself with a positive professional image will give you the ability to set yourself apart from your peers, and excel in business.
Sometimes it can be the little things that you do—or don’t do—that can make or break your career.
Here are my picks for the top five business etiquette faux pas (and how you can avoid them):
- Taking calls or texting while in conversation with others. When engaged in a conversation, turn your cell phone off—or put it on vibrate. If you must take a call, excuse yourself and find a quiet place to talk, away from everyone.
- Not being fully present to conversations. Stay engaged when talking with someone. In person, always use direct eye contact when speaking with people. When on a call, avoid the temptation to check email!
- Bad mouthing others. This should really go without saying, but unfortunately we know it happens all the time. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
- Arriving late for a meeting. Punctuality is a must! Being tardy tells others that you don’t value their time, and that other things are more important to you than they are. Make a conscious decision to stay on schedule. Set a reminder on your calendar, or your smartphone, to alert you in plenty of time to arrive at the meeting on schedule.
- Making excuses for not living up to your commitments. Honor your commitments. When people know you will do what you say, when you say it, you will gain trust—and be successful. Avoid the stress, and embarrassment of failing to keep your commitments by assessing your ability to complete a task BEFORE you take it on.
What’s the biggest etiquette faux pas you’ve encountered? Share in the comments below!
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4 Responses to Top 5 Business Etiquette Faux Pas
Why do you think these are the top 5? I am a big believer in proper etiquette, so I am wondering if you have research that backs up your statements? I believe plenty of people have people have lost business by not using proper etiquette, but how can we prove it?
Caroline, thanks for dropping by and sharing your comment! The 5 were business etiquette faux pas I listed were from my own experience and point of view. If you are looking for statistical information I suggest you try Harvard Business Review. They have done lots of research and manners. If they haven’t done one on what you are looking for perhaps you can request a study. I wish you much success!
The minute you receive an invitation, whether it is for a business luncheon or dinner, an after-hours reception, the wedding of a client or colleague, a casual office get-together or any business/social event, check your calendar.Respond immediately. You either accept or regret. It is that simple. Don’t put off replying unless you need additional information or have a potential conflict. The person issuing the invitation needs to know as soon as possible how any people will be attending in order to plan properly. Be considerate.If you said you would be there, go. If you responded that you couldn’t attend, don’t decide at the last minute to go. If something comes up to prevent you from attending, let your host know as soon as possible. If you can’t do so before the event, contact the host first thing the next day to explain your absence and to apologize.
You definitely know your etiquette! Yes, the sooner you can respond, the better. And best to talk to the person, rather than leave a phone message, if possible.