Compliance with the business code of conduct not only facilitates daily work, but also has a close impact on career and earnings. The right style and good manners are a factor that affects your career. It will lead to better relations with colleagues, subordinates and superiors.
Business, diplomacy and etiquette
Business etiquette is not only the rules that suggest 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 professionally present yourself even in less formal occasions.
Those who know them are well aware that good manners are one of the best investments.
In addition to etiquette, appearance and clothing are also very important. The first impression is often critical to gaining the sympathy of the contractor. Remember that your professionalism is emphasized by certain non-verbal behavior., that is, attitude, smile, eye contact, gestures and voice technique, so that you strengthen the power of the words that you say.
What is the savoir-vivre?
This concept refers to customs, social forms, rules applicable 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 the French language, in which savoir means to know and live. Therefore, it is often translated as “the art of living”.
Savoir-vivre is based on four founding principleswhich are the foundation of the art of living. Savoir-vivre rules are universal, they do not depend on location, social group, social or professional relations.
- Firstly, the principle of respect, which means that they show respect for another person by their behavior, regardless of age, gender, religion or any other point of view. Respecting someone’s views, we give a person the right to express his 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 this place.
- The principle of moderation should be applied in all areas of our lives. Keep it in clothes, choosing accessories, makeup, as well as moderation in food and drink, in the expression of 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, security, act consciously and with caution.
Having familiarized yourself with the basics of the “label”, let's now take a look at the selected, detailed principles of the “art of living”, whose knowledge helps to maintain good interpersonal, social and business relationships. These include such standards.
Principle of naturalness
The basis of the label is naturalness. We must perform each action in a natural way. Only in this way will we earn trust. Some say that savoir-vivre rules are strict and there is no place for naturalness in them. Nothing wrong.
If we know the rules well and use them freely, then we will automatically look natural.
Principle of tolerance
Tolerance is the main condition for maintaining good relationships with people. Tolerance is an understanding in relation to other views, lifestyle, behavior, religion, culinary preferences. A person with a high personal culture is tolerant and patient.
Punctuality principle
Currently, we are not paying too much attention to punctuality, so someone else is late. Therefore, there is nothing more annoying than waiting for latecomers. You must understand that coming later is unacceptable.
Let's 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 Business Etiquette
Introducing yourself, in addition to your name and surname, please indicate your position and the name of the company you represent. Academic, professional or pedigree names in this situation should not be. A man should always be introduced to a woman; younger ones should be represented by older ones, and not vice versa.
During the reception, the host must introduce a person whom other guests do not know. Similarly, with the new employee in the company represented by the boss.
Greeting is one of the most important elements in communication.
- Do not do this by accident or just by touching the other person’s hand with your fingertips. A handshake is worth adding a smile and even nice words. This technique should also be accompanied by eye contact.
- When greeting, we must look straight into 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 a table is a sign of ignorance of good manners. If a woman with a man is welcome, the woman reaches out first. Also, the one who is younger or occupies a smaller position is supposed to come up and say hello to the first.It is also worth remembering that the person who should initiate the handshake should not lean forward.
- You must show respect for the guest by offering him a suitable place. The place of honor is located 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 image of the company. You can only make a good impression. Knowledge and ability to adhere to a dress code are necessary for achievement of professional success and creation of the corresponding relations. A professional look is now one of the competencies of the employee. Not following the standards, you can stop the promotion.
- Learn to conduct business negotiations.
- Phone savoir-vivre - An important part of a business lifestyle that cannot be ignored.
- Try to be polite, talk calmly. Before you start a dialogue, think about the topic and what information you would like to receive from another person. Speak briefly and specifically. So you show your professionalism and will not annoy the interlocutor.
- Disconnect the phone during business meetings. If you plan on something like this, please devote all the time and attention to the person you are talking to. If you do not expect an urgent phone call, turn off the sound and turn off the phone.
- Be punctual - Arrange meetings in advance. If you are late, do not forget to apologize and briefly explain to the owner during the break so as not to interrupt the meeting.
- Business card exchange always follows the end of the conversation. It is inappropriate to ask senior officials, seniors, and women about this. You must patiently wait until they offer it themselves. Before you put the business card that you receive in your card holder, read it.
It is also worth exploring the basic rules of elegance. Control over our gestures, facial expressions and position makes up the "label" of the company. In addition, the skillful use of traditional writing and e-mail will allow us to feel comfortable in complex and unusual situations, both in the ordinary daily life of the company and in the world of large business. All assumptions will help to avoid embarrassing situations that often confuse us.
Thanks to the basic assumptions of business etiquette, we use the positive influence of personal culture on the quality of customer contacts. It also allows you to prove yourself in the right light as a successful person and behave appropriately 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 complicated.
Moral general concepts should be present not only in business, but also in everyday life. They are based on the behavior and essence of a man brought up.
You can learn about the most important business communication skills from the next video.