Workplace
etiquette pays in two ways for you and your team. First, it elevates you as an
individual—and it’s a good thing to be known as someone who shows respect and
courtesy to others. In fact, research shows that workplace etiquette is
essential for keeping and being promoted in a job.
Secondly—and
of equal importance—workplace etiquette improves work relationships. It shows
your team that you care about them, their work, and their value to the team.
Moreover,
when the entire team or department embraces professional workplace etiquette,
your team’s stellar example can raise the bar for the rest of the organization.
As the saying goes, “A rising tide floats all the boats.”
Here are
seven ways you can use workplace etiquette and courtesy to set you and your
team apart in any economy.
Attitude is
everything. Have a great attitude like your job depended on it. You may not be
in your dream job or have a dream boss, but don’t wear a negative attitude on
your shirtsleeve. It shows! Refrain from gossip and negative talk about anyone
on your team. Rather than building you up, condescending conversation
diminishes you instead. Also, be all there—don’t mentally check out by 2:00.
And, show yourself friendly to everyone on the team. Research from the Servcorp
Index reveals that the majority of American business professionals appreciate
being acknowledged by teammates when they arrive at work.
Notch up
nonverbal communication. Have good eye contact to show you are listening. Look
at the upper part of the face—the eye and brow area. Looking any lower on the
face is too social and intimate for the workplace. Avoid crossing your arms
over your chest as this can indicate you are not approachable. Give a good
handshake to those on your team, not just to your clients.
Be timely,
not tardy. Regardless of age, job title, or level in the team hierarchy, be on
time for work and meetings. Better yet, be a few minutes early. Punctuality
shows your team that you respect them and their time. Complete tasks and
projects on time, too; don’t let the team down with excuses.
Use proper
tech etiquette. Don’t leave the team hanging. Answer their emails and phone
calls in a timely way—by the end of the day if possible, and no later than 24
hours. Using proper grammar and punctuation in departmental emails is just as
important as in client emails.
Go the
extra mile—it’s not crowded! Look for ways you can help out and show support to
a teammate. If he has a heavy day and deadlines to meet and you don’t, step up
and offer to help. Your assistance and team spirit will be appreciated by
everyone in the group.
Contribute
value to team meetings. Focus on the meeting, not on side conversations or on
your smartphone. Be open to others’ ideas and points of view. Avoid a ‘my way
or the highway’ attitude. It makes you appear selfish and undermines team
spirit. Let others finish speaking before sharing your thoughts.
Show
appreciation. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Sincerely verbalize and
demonstrate thanks as often as possible. Do this both publicly—when
appropriate—and privately. If your boss congratulates you on a job well done
and you had help from your team members, be sure to tell your boss so they can
receive credit, too. They’ll be more likely to rally around you on the next big
project.
Truly,
nothing could be easier—or better—for building up your team than when everyone
engages in workplace etiquette and courtesy. No matter how uncertain the
economy, using these tips will make a difference in your own job success and
promotion—and in the success of your team. Ready to float your team’s
boat higher?
Source:
Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol
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