Key Aspects of Business Etiquette

Decent behavior during communication is a direct indicator of the level of our culture. And in modern society, rules of conduct play an important role. The overall impression of a person has a direct impact on his reputation and status. Knowledge and observance of the rules and norms of etiquette, the ability to make a good impression, build effective communication are significant elements in human life. That is why many business partners pay special attention to the behavior of people around them.

Etiquette includes moral and moral concepts, norms and principles of the behavior and communication of people, which we must use not only in society, but also in the family, when communicating with colleagues at work. Of particular importance is business etiquette.

Conscientious work, high awareness of public duty and mutual assistance - all these qualities in business ethics must be able to educate and improve in yourself. Correct and competent speech, image, ability to stay in society and understanding the intricacies of non-verbal communication will help to attract people.

Key features of business etiquette.

• In business etiquette under the concept of freedom it is understood that ethics should not impede the free will of all partners.In the business environment, you should appreciate not only your freedom, but also the importance of trade secrets and the freedom of action of partners, that is, not to interfere in the affairs of other companies and not impede the choice of methods for fulfilling agreements. And also freedom implies a tolerant attitude to the religious and national characteristics of the interlocutors.
• Particular attention should be paid to your speech, this will help politeness. When communicating with colleagues, partners and clients, the tone and timbre of the voice should always be friendly and friendly. Respectful attitude helps not only to maintain good relations, but also helps to increase the company's profits.
• Tolerance and tolerance consist in understanding and accepting the shortcomings or weaknesses of partners, customers or colleagues. This attitude helps to establish mutual trust and understanding.

• Tact and delicacy expressed in the ability to listen and hear the opponent. When communicating with someone you should always consider age, gender, religious beliefs, moreover, when communicating, you need to bypass unacceptable topics. This fact must be taken into account when negotiating with foreign interlocutors. The customs and traditions of other countries may seem strange and incomprehensible, and behavior and actions - unceremonious or familiar. It is customary to compliment, but it is important not to cross the fine line of delicacy, and not to pass into hypocrisy. It is only important to be able to hear and make the right counter offer.
• Punctuality and responsibility - one of the key principles of culture. People who do not know how to manage their time, are late for meetings and meetings, leave a lasting negative impression. The day of modern people is scheduled literally for minutes: time is valuable not only for you, but also for business partners, colleagues and subordinates. A delay of more than 5 minutes is regarded as a gross violation of business etiquette. And even the most sincere apologies will not be able to make amends.
• Justice consists in an unbiased assessment of the individual qualities of people and their work. Their individuality, ability to perceive criticism and listen to recommendations should be respected.
• Duty and Responsibility mean the ability to take responsibility and do the work on time.

Further cooperation with people depends on observance of the basic principles of etiquette. Violating certain rules in society, you risk your image, and in the business environment - the reputation of the company, and such mistakes can cost a lot of money or a career ladder.

The main functions of business etiquette.

• Socio-cultural: the adoption of an individual and a group increases the efficiency of business interaction and optimizes work activities: the formation of rules and norms of behavior is necessary not only in the business environment, but also in all aspects of human life.
• Regulatory allows you to navigate in a complex or non-standard situation, which ensures stability and order. Standardization of behavior facilitates the process of establishing communication in any typical business situation. This avoids mistakes, troubles and stress. Helps to achieve mutual understanding and save time when negotiating. The formation of a positive image of the company and the leader in the eyes of employees, customers and partners.

• Integrative function ensures cohesion of the group. Socialization allows even a novice to cope with the tasks with the help of a working template. Promotes the development and formation of personality, allows you to solve the disciplining task and master the rules of business etiquette in a short time.
• Communicative function correlates with maintaining good relationships and the absence of conflict.

The rules of business etiquette must be respected in all life situations, regardless of circumstances. Business etiquette is applicable:

• at work;
• in telephone conversations and business correspondence;
• at formal receptions or business dinners;
• while traveling.

Sign language allows you to learn much more about character than words and appearance. Non-verbal signs reflect the essence and inner world of a person, for example, crossed arms or legs signal distrust, constriction or uncertainty.

It should be noted that egocentrism, which is often attributed to negative connotations, on the contrary, such behavior says that we have a professional in his field, he can negotiate and not forget about his point of view. Such a person is interested in a positive outcome of the dispute, but he will undoubtedly defend his point of view.

Ignorance of the basic tenets of etiquette creates many problems and sometimes leads to the destruction of a career. Today, business in Russia has its own specific features in ethics - in this way a new culture of business communication is formed.

It has many rules and requirements that must be followed. Some components have already lost their relevance. For example, it was previously believed that a woman should leave the elevator first, but Now the etiquette states that the first one who comes closer to the door comes out of the elevator.

There are eight main areas of business etiquette.

• Positive attitude and friendly attitude to employees and partners allow us to positively attract people.
• Subordination: different people have their own ways and manners of communication, you must always remember who you are talking to. For example, with the project manager you can have friendly relations and communicate with each other on “you”, but at a meeting with partners you can only contact “you” by name and patronymic.
• Greetings you should not limit yourself to the phrases “Hello” or “Good afternoon”, you should also use non-verbal gestures: bow, shake hands, nod or wave your hand. Also, do not forget about the simple courtesy words “Thank you”, “Sorry”, “All the best”, etc.
• Handshake - A mandatory element of greeting, farewell and conclusion of an agreement, which gives the mood for further communication. The first reaches out to the youngest person by status or age. But if there is a dialogue with a woman, then the first man reaches out. But the woman is always the first to greet the boss or leader.

• In a business society, there is no division of people by gender, only service grades are taken into account. In any circles, the youngest person by rank or age appears first and greets. There is the following order: first, they introduce the youngest to the eldest, the man to the woman, the lowest in status to the leader, the latecomers to those who are waiting. It is necessary to stand while greeting and dating, but at the same time a woman can sit.But if you are a leader and a host at the same time, then you must say the first word.
• Any person with whom you have a business relationship needs to to respect, you also need to calmly and adequately take criticism and advice from the outside.
• Do not say too much - The secrets of the institution, company, partners or colleagues must be kept as carefully as personal.
• Acceptance or delivery of flowers, gifts and souvenirs within the framework of business ethics is allowed. The occasion may be personal events or corporate achievements. For the leader it is better to make one gift from the team. A personal gift is best done behind closed doors and on a special occasion. A presentation to a colleague or colleague can be done for any reason - but in this case, as a rule, the principle “you are to me; I am for you. ” Congratulations from the manager to the subordinate are usually made individually or publicly, but then the same gifts are given to all employees.

An educational and cultured person can always correctly express his thoughts not only verbally, but also in writing. The main requirements for conducting business correspondence are brevity, conciseness and correctness. There are fundamentals for processing business letters and documentation.

• The letter must be correctly composed without spelling, punctuation and stylistic errors. The communication style is businesslike, using clericalism.
• It is necessary to determine the type and urgency of the delivery of the letter.
• Any official appeal must comply with accepted and current templates. It is advisable to draw up a letter on the official letterhead of the company or unit. Each appeal or response should be personal and personal.
• It is necessary to indicate the initials of the recipient, the position, unit or department to which the letter is sent. Be sure to indicate the data of the sender with detailed contact information, indicating the name of the company and the position of the employee.

• You should not use a large amount of professional terminology, and ambiguous expressions and jargon should be avoided.
• The main part of the letter consists of an introduction and a description of the purpose and subject of the conversation. The text should be convincing with sufficient argumentation and not exceed 1.5 pages. At the end of the letter is the signature of the sender.
• If the letter has an international focus, then it must be written in the language of the recipient.
• When sent by e-mail, you should pay attention to the "subject line" field. The line shall indicate: type of document, subject and summary.

Etiquette directs communication in the right direction, ensures the professional activities of managers and subordinates with the relevant standards, rules, norms. According to Dale Carnegie, only 15% of success depends on professional achievements and knowledge, and 85% - on the ability to communicate with people.

The business protocol is subject to rules and regulations. There is technology that allows you to quickly and easily establish contact, here are the main recommendations.

• Show sincere interest in people - when talking with someone you need to take into account his opinion and interest. And remember that listening is no less important than talking.
• Show cordiality and speak with a smile - goodwill contributes to communication. No wonder Americans believe that a smile can overcome any barriers.
• When communicating, diction plays a large role - pay attention to your speech, the correct pronunciation of words and the correct arrangement of stresses.
• Address your interlocutor by name, and preferably by name and patronymic - maintain a dialogue, be patient and attentive to what you are told.Build communication so that the conversation touches on common interests.
• Do not use parasitic words and profanity - speech should be appropriate to society and the situation. You can dilute communication with witty jokes, aphorisms, winged words and figurative comparisons.

• Avoid conflict situations - do not use categorical statements, criticism and take into account the interest of all parties in resolving a case.
• Take care of your wardrobe - a sloppy appearance, a shabby suit and an untidy hairstyle are regarded as neglect and are evaluated negatively by others.
• There must be several business cards in the pocket of your jacket. Their absence is considered a sign of bad taste and will be perceived from the negative side.
• If you are just getting a job, then try to be calm and confident at the interview. Watch your posture and go into the office with your head up. Do not rush to sit on the first chair, wait until you are asked to do it. Communicate politely and confidently, keep your legs parallel to each other and do not cross your arms.

Appearance must correspond to the nature of the event, it determines the status and position of a person in society. Some companies have a corporate dress code. The most common type of business wear is a suit.

• Clothing color - the combination of dark and light shades in clothes is considered optimal, for example, a dark jacket and a white shirt. Preference should be given to dark suits - blue or gray. Light colors in clothes are allowed only in the summer. Mandatory requirement - all buttons should be fastened on the jacket during negotiations. An unbuttoned jacket is allowed only during informal communication.
• According to etiquette, men should choose long-sleeved shirts. The best option are shirts without pockets. Shirts with short sleeves are allowed only in summer.
• A tie should not have bright colors or intricate patterns. It should be harmoniously combined in color with the entire wardrobe and completely cover the belt buckle on the trousers. And the long end should not protrude due to the front.

• A business suit can only be combined with classic shoes. Shoes should be perfectly polished.
• Socks should be long and in tone with shoes.
• In the breast pocket of a jacket, a handkerchief is used only for beauty, it should ideally match the color of a shirt and tie.
• From accessories, you need to choose a strict bag, diplomat or a classic folder.
• Of the jewelry, it is better for a man to turn to a ring or ring, a watch, cufflinks and a tie clip.

• Business suit for a womanAccording to the color scheme, fewer requirements are put forward for a woman's costume. The main thing is that the wardrobe should be dark or neutral calm shades. An elegant dress or trouser suit made of thick fabrics is allowed.
• Bare feet are unacceptable at any time of the year, so stockings must be selected for each costume.
• Bright makeup and an abundance of jewelry are inappropriate in the business community. Do not combine silver or gold jewelry with jewelry.
• Choose a light and restrained perfume.

You will learn more about the basic rules of business etiquette from the next video.