Decoding Office Etiquette & Proper Behavior

Office Etiquette and Then Some

Television Interview by Mellisa Paul of Sac&Co with Etiquette expert, Rebecca Black of Etiquette Now.

Basic Manners Rule!

Respect
Kindness
Consideration
Courtesy

Q: The word etiquette gets thrown around a lot, but what does the term encompass?

A: Etiquette is basically the "rules" society creates and expects as proper behavior.

Q: As an etiquette consultant, what do you find is the most frequent etiquette problem that people have?

A: The most frequent problem people tend to have is the "me" factor. They tend to forget that everything they do affects others. They want, they do, and they feel outraged when others are offended.

What should I wear? Is the most asked etiquette question.

Q: Why do you think people are so concerned with having the right etiquette?

A: Basically, people don't want to be embarrassed by being ignorant of the "rules". The French call this déclassé, which means the person is of no class or lower class because he/she doesn't know the social norms. Knowing what behavior is expected, proper etiquette, makes us feel more comfortable in all situations.

Q: Office etiquette is something that almost everyone has different ideas on, what is proper office etiquette?

A: We tend to think of office etiquette as a stuffy, strict set of rules. But for the most part, it is common sense. We treat all our customers (internal and external) well and fair. Also, our actions and appearance will be scrutinized greatly in the workplace, so we should consider how we wish to be viewed.

Q: What’s your favorite piece of advice to give people?

A: Always consider that everything we do affects others. And commit a random act of kindness (RAK) every day.

Q: Where can people find more information?

A: Read this or visit any of my other blogs for the most up-to-date advice.

More by Rebecca

How to Deal with Frustrating Breakroom Behavior

How to Deal With Irritating, Loud, Sick and Clueless Coworkers

Using Goals to Increase Production

Comments

When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors

Dear Rebecca, I've read your comments regarding office gift -giving online. What guidelines apply when gifts are to a departing supervisor? When the departure also causes the termination of others on the supervisor's team, should they also receive gifts? Thanks, Michael Dear Michael , Good question. It is always optional to give gifts , especially in the workplace. So, there is no firm 'guidelines' about giving to departing supervisors. However, if it’s customary to give gifts to those who depart in your workplace, then everyone who is leaving should receive one. It would be expected. The gifts shouldn't be expensive and could be a farewell lunch or office party with a cake and beverages. Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How Our Actions Can Affect Our Professional Image How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function Interview: business meals & ...

Office Etiquette 101: How to Deal with Frustrating Breakroom Behavior

Stealing Lunches, Burning Microwave Popcorn, Hogging the Fridge...Oh My! At work, the lunch or breakroom is often a place to mingle or hide out during breaks. Sometimes, though, it can be a place of crime. Crime in the workplace? Oh yes. As an etiquette consultant, one of the most common workplace complaints I hear concerns the lunch thief. Thievery isn't the only breakroom complaint, however. Therefore, I've developed a few tools to deal with this diverse group of breakroom irritants and offenders. What causes some employees to exhibit such poor behavior? When frustrated with coworkers, many will come to me with their workplace stories and questions. The first question is usually about why their coworkers would steal their lunch or warm smelly fish in the microwave. The answer is simple: Most forget that the workplace is a shared space, so they become too comfortable and forget to use their best manners. ...

Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss?

Dear Rebecca , Is a bottle of liquor a good holiday gift for a boss? Sincerely, Liquor in the workplace. Dear Liquor in the Workplace, Most places of business frown on alcohol. Your gift may be viewed in negatively. Plus, it could appear as apple polishing. If you are remarkably close to your boss, you could give him/her something a bit less questionable, like homemade cookies . Sincerely, Rebecca More by Rebecca How to Dress for Business Cruise? When is it Appropriate to Give Gifts to Supervisors Should I bring a hostess gift?

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