Get Savvy on Civility: The Delicate Art of Business Etiquette

You say inappropriate things at company parties, drink three glasses of whiskey at business lunches, answer your cell phone during meetings, forget to thank associates for favors and send blunt one-word responses to emails. You may think you’re coming off as a charming rogue when others are rolling their eyes, annoyed at your rudeness.

Nowadays, many see etiquette as unimportant and outdated, but these small actions really do influence how others see you – including colleagues, higher-ups, clients and investors. Making a good impression can be crucial to your success. Here are some tips to business etiquette that you may never have even thought of, but could help you make and keep important alliances.

First off is making a good first impression. Smile, look people in the eye, and give a firm handshake. Stand up and introduce yourself immediately when meeting someone new. Treat everyone you meet as if they’re important – that means acting the same toward your subordinates and other associates as you do toward clients, investors and bosses.

Put your cell phone down. One of the biggest annoyances in today’s business world is professionals who are constantly fiddling with their phones or PDAs – text messaging, checking their calendars, surfing the web or looking at the clock while others are trying to communicate with them. It sends the message that whatever’s on your electronic device is more important than the people around you. On that note, don’t take calls while you’re in a meeting unless you want those in attendance to feel insignificant.

Be on time. It’s so simple, yet so many people fail to do it. Being perpetually late, even if it’s only by fifteen minutes or so, sends the same message as answering your cell phone in a meeting: that those you’re meeting with aren’t important or worthy of courtesy. Being late is a great way to put people off before you’ve even spoken to them.

Be graceful and considerate at business meals. Pick up the tab if you did the inviting, allow your guests to order first, and follow general meal etiquette like placing your napkin in your lap. Utensils start from the outside in. Try to avoid ordering anything too messy. When you’re finished eating, lay your knife and fork across your plate and place your napkin to the right of your plate.

Limit alcohol consumption at company parties – moderation is key. This is true for food also. You don’t want to stand by the buffet table and stuff your face all night, or give the impression that you’re a lush. Alcohol and business rarely mix well. Consider parties to be part of your job rather than casual get-togethers and conduct yourself accordingly. Try to talk to as many people as possible, especially your bosses. Parties can be a great way to get in some face time with influential people, so take advantage of that rather than getting blitzed and making a fool of yourself.

Give credit where it’s due. Make sure to thank anyone who gives you an idea, a lead, or special assistance with a task. Depending on the situation, that may merit a simple verbal thank-you, a brief handwritten note or a mention during a meeting. Failing to credit those who have helped you in some way can result in bad blood or at the very least, reduce the chance of getting assistance from that person again.

Use email carefully and efficiently. It’s just as important to be courteous in email exchanges as in verbal or written communication. Avoid responding to questions with blunt one-word answers, or at least include the original message with your response when you do. Use sarcasm sparingly, since it rarely comes across in electronic communication. Avoid abbreviations, don’t use emoticons and use proper spelling and grammar. Put meaningful information in the subject line and make sure to sign the bottom of the message. If you have a penchant for responding emotionally and then wishing later on that you had thought out your message more before sending it, follow the 5-minute rule: write it out, leave it alone for 5 minutes and then re-read it.