The Importance of Table Manners in the Workplace

Dear Rebecca,

Can you explain the importance of table manners in business?

Thank you,

Dear RS,

I will do my best.

In the workplace, you are judged based upon how you dress, how you treat others, and your manners. If you have poor table manners, you limit yourself as to how far up the corporate ladder you can travel.

Some of us never entertain clients with a meal. Although most of us share meals with our coworkers and perhaps those in higher positions than ourselves often, especially in common breakrooms. It is crucial that our manners speak positively for us. Our manners help define us.

Just ask yourself, "Who will your boss choose for a business lunch with clients or the CEO of the company?" Will he/she choose the person who doesn't know proper table manners or the person who does?

All etiquette is used and essential in the business world, especially table manners. Your knowledge and implementation of proper table manners are an extension of your professionalism. Even if you wear a $500 suit, no one will take you seriously without this skill.

Sincerely,

Rebecca

More by Rebecca

How to Eat Difficult Foods at a Business or Social Function

Interview: business meals & handshakes

Office Etiquette 101: How to Deal with Frustrating Breakroom Behavior

Comments

Job Searching Tools

You lost your job? Unfortunately, you are in good company. To help you on your reemployment journey, check out a few free resources to help you prepare for the job search and connect with employers like: monster.com , careerbuilder.com , and usa.gov/job-search . In mining the Internet, you can find even more than just print advice. Many sites include videos detailing advice for preparing for the interview. All of this is free advice and available to all who have the time to search. However, don’t just lock yourself up in your home office. Get out and meet others in our business/career of interest. Call companies of interest to request a meeting. Visit career centers, especially from your alma mater. And don’t forget your friends and family. Let them know about your job search and ask for job leads. When laid off try to view it as an opportunity to reach for the job you might not have consid...

Follow These Steps to Get the Job You Want

Preparing for the Interview For over twenty years as an etiquette professional, I’ve trained countless job seekers. Not much has changed in those decades, except our expanded use of technology. Today, we can apply for a job using Social networking sites, such as LinkedIn. We commonly use an email program to contact an organization’s HR department. Additionally, we live on our cellphones. Many times, we use these electronic appendages to reply to those HR departments and recruiters. Some of those calls and emails could be the difference between a future job and a trip to the unemployment office. Consequently, it would benefit all job seekers to follow a few of my suggestions. Consider Your Use of a Cellphone Sure, texting is fast and convenient. However, it’s not the best method to use for answering emails from a recruiter or anyone else who may be trying to a...

Internships Can Lead You to Your Dream Job

How to Get the Job You Want Let’s face it, even with the best education, the job market is a tough place to be. It is incredibly tight and expectations of the newly hired are high. So, what is someone with little work experience to do? As an etiquette consultant who trains job seekers, I always suggest internships for those who are still in high school and college. Still, all can benefit from what a good internship can provide. What are the advantages and benefits of an internship? As your coworkers and supervisors evaluate you and your work habits, you are best able to evaluate how it would be to work in that business and for that particular company full time. The internship also provides an opportunity to develop a work ethic and polish your people skills. Dealing with the scary people and learning new skills. More than likely, you will be learning new skills, as the work required may be a new experience for you. The busine...

Etiquette Now! Insights

Search This Blog