Here is the problem: without a set of etiquette standards, a company will not achieve its goal of profitable earnings.
The workplace would be chaotic without business etiquette.
Having a Set of Business Etiquette Standards Allows You To:
- Build cohesive business relationships with clients and co-workers
- Be respected in your industry
- Communicate to employees what is appropriate behavior and what is not
- Understand cultural differences; recognize the values of others
Setting a code or standards should not be thought of as a bunch of rules- far from it.
Etiquette is caring about professional behavior. I like to think of using etiquette as a form of self-interest. You choose to use it because of who you are – not because someone is telling you you must.
This where a “personal brand” comes into play as well as a vision for your company.
Recently, a company hired me to work with their employee’s specifically to “up-level” the customer’s experience.
Our first goal was to align their team with their vision of a company that is steeped in an experience of luxury.
This company delivers their product to the customer within an hour of their order (within a certain zip code).
The delivery drivers are a crucial part of the company’s brand. They are the “human experience” for the company.
How they act, the drivers persona, the way the make act eye contact, handle problems, the appearance of their uniforms, all make a difference. The drivers are the “brand” of the company.
After the business etiquette training, the drivers had a common thread with the company. They understood why using business etiquette skills are imperative to an “up-leveled” experience.
Yes, I realize not all standards of etiquette are the same in the business world. A financial company will be different from a graphic design firm.
Employees represent your company.
It is a good idea to communicate and reinforce these etiquette standards so a company may thrive.
Here are Nine Business Etiquette Standards to Consider
- Good Non-VerbalSkills; body language
- Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- Professional Presence; how you dress, and present yourself
- Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness
- Taking Initiative
- Empathy in the Workplace
- Focus on What Matters
- Building a Network
- Getting Along with Multiple Generations
There is nothing accidental about a brand or company that catches your attention.
As I was working with the company mentioned above, I started paying close attention to my interactions in my daily experience – UPS store, Whole Foods, and Fed-Ex to name a few.
Our Fed-Ex driver is friendly fast and of course, I love it when he comments on our cute miniature pincher (even though her fur is about to peel off her back because she is so scary). He makes an effort to make a “human connection”.
The people at Whole Foods are friendly, make eye contact, and always ask about my shopping experience. They want to know if I found everything I needed.
The UPS store recognizes me by name, makes eye contact immediately and greets me by saying “good morning” .
All of this matters.
Their employees have been trained in business etiquette to offer this type of value when serving their customers.
Companies need to alert employees that etiquette skills are important.
Don’t assume they know how to extend this type of behavior.
As a leader, your main goal is to be profitable. This will not happen if your employees do not understand your mission, mistreat their co-workers and clients and do not have the desire for self-respect.
As a leader, you must know your employees are watching and looking to you for guidance.
If each person on your team is not aligning with your company’s values and branding, you are losing money.
A business etiquette workshop aligns your team and provides real-life guidance and direction.
Can you imagine how your office and team would benefit from learning good business etiquette skills?
Here is how your team will benefit:
- They will feel more respected
- Use self-awareness and have an understanding of using emotional intelligence in the workplace
- Improve your company culture
- Increased confidence- professionally and personally
- Effective communication skills
- Build better relationships with co-workers and customers
- Your team will be more polished
- Align with your company’s mission
You know what is great about business etiquette training? It has an immediate effect on a team. This isn’t something that needs to be studied.
Once this is brought to their attention, you will be amazed how quickly your team responds to the training.
Here Are Your Next Steps to Schedule a Business Etiquette Training Workshop for Your Company
Get a proposal. Click here.
Together, we will set a time to prioritize the topics, and plan the event. We will customize the training to meet the needs of the participants and your timeframe.
Book the date(s) for your business etiquette workshop, training or course.
Yes, we offer virtual trainings. These are customized to meet your needs.
About Lisa Richey and The American Academy of Etiquette
I bet you know first hand the issues many companies are facing in the workplace.
The lack of conversation skills, maybe an employee doesn’t understand they have a certain reputation and need guidance to tweak or change it, or employees are not following the dress code.
You may have a strong desire for your staff to be likeable or you want them to connect with the many generations in the workplace.
HR professionals and sales organizations contact me to speak on topics such as personal branding, how to build stronger relationships with clients and colleagues, ways to connect the generations and of course, how to dine with ease and grace during a business meal.
If you are interested in learning more about a business etiquette training session for your team, I invite you to have a conversation.
If You Like This Article, You Might Enjoy…..
https://americanetiquette.com/what-is-business-etiquette-training-and-why-your-employees-need-it/
https://americanetiquette.com/business-etiquette-2-minutes-to-a-more-interesting-conversation/
