This coming Friday is Bring Your Manners to Work Day! The Protocol School of Washington created this day, observed on the first Friday of September each year, as a reminder to treat others with courtesy and respect in the workplace.
Good business etiquette comes from having empathy for others. Organizations that build a culture of respect have the opportunity to achieve long-term profitability and are viewed as more professional
Here are 10 tips for good business behavior:
- Be a good listener.
- Abstain from checking your mobile device when in meetings.
- Control your temper and negative emotions.
- Remember the basics, “please,” thank you,” and “you’re welcome.”
- Refrain from offensive or demeaning language.
- Dress respectfully.
- Respond to a phone call or email in a timely manner.
- Acknowledge others for a job well done.
- Body language matters – smile more.
- Respect other cultures.
Respecting other cultures is extremely important. If your company does work internationally, spend time becoming acquainted with a new culture before moving or doing business abroad. A culture’s surroundings, history, and values affect many facets of everyday and professional life, including greetings, gestures, appropriate conversational topics, and even table manners. Learning about a culture’s business etiquette before traveling can also prevent misunderstandings that affect business decisions later.
Living Abroad has some handy tools that can help you prepare for any business meeting abroad. To be immersed in the culture of the country, the Culture Coach Online is a self-paced cultural learning tool. For global business travelers, the Global Business Traveler Center is the best fit. And if you are moving abroad, the International Relocation Center provides a wide range of articles to make the move a success.
If you’d like to learn how your employees can put their best foot forward for international business success, contact us here.
And don’t forget to celebrate Bring Your Manners to Work Day!
