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ETIQUETTE

Meaning of ETIQUETTE:

Etiquette in simpler words is defined as good behavior which distinguishes human

beings from animals. Human Being is a social animal and it is really important forhim to behave in an appropriate way. Etiquette refers to behaving in a socially

responsible way.

Etiquette refers to guidelines which control the way a responsible individual

should behave in the society.

Need for Etiquette:

Etiquette makes you a cultured individual who leaves his mark whereverhe goes.

Etiquette teaches you the way to talk, walk and most importantly behavein the society.

Etiquette is essential for an everlasting first impression. The way youinteract with your superiors, parents, fellow workers, friends speak a lot

about your personality and up- bringing.

Etiquette enables the individuals to earn respect and appreciation in thesociety. No one would feel like talking to a person who does not know

how to speak or behave in the society. Etiquette inculcates a feeling of

trust and loyalty in the individuals. One becomes more responsible and

mature. Etiquette helps individuals to value relationships.

Guidelines for Etiquette:

Think before you speak. Try to remain patient with the world around you, and resist the temptation to

react when presented with bad behavior.

Approach life with an attitude of respect - treating everyone you encounterwith thoughtful regard.

Be aware that your actions, both good and bad have a cause and effect. How you present yourself to the world is how people see you. Your inside is

invisible to them. It's not just being a good person that matters; it's how you

present that good person.

Careful planning and a relaxed attitude will help you sail through mostsocial situations.

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Meeting Etiquette:

Be punctual or even better turn up a bit earlier. If this is not possible,arrive at the scheduled time at the latest. But don't be late! If you turn up

late, step in quickly and quietly while taking your seat. The lessinterruption you create the better.

When invited to a business meeting, be sure to reply if a reply isrequested.

Don't expect others to fill you in during or after the meeting. Come prepared with pen and paper. If you need to hold a presentation, make sure that handouts, PowerPoint

slides etc. are ready and organized. Handouts should have been sent at least

three days prior to the meeting. Don't interrupt the speaker unless he/she has encouraged open discourse

throughout the meeting. Don't interrupt other attendees neither.

Don't talk during a meeting with other colleagues. This is disruptive to otherattendees and inconsiderate of the speaker.

Dressing Etiquette:

Suits, dresses, skirts with dressy sweaters or blouses. A matching suit or blazer with slacks. A purse or bag that will accommodate necessities, but not bulky. A tie with a dress shirt (shirt with collar). Hose should be worn at all times

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Business Dinner Etiquette:

Pre-Dinner Etiquette

Arrive on time. Call ahead if you know you will be late.Wait 15 minutes before calling to

check on the arrival status of your dinner partners Sitting Down.

Do not place any bags, purses, sunglasses, cell phones, or briefcases on thetable.

When you are all seated, gently unfold your napkin and place it on your lap,folded in half with the fold towards your waist.

Keep utensils in the same order they appear on the table. Do not rearrange to accommodate yourself if you are left-handed. Wait for all parties to arrive before beginning any part of the meal

Eating Styles

Continental or European style: cutting the food with the right hand and usingthe left hand to hold the food while cutting and when eating.

American style: cutting the food with the right hand and holding the foodwith the left, then switching hands to eat with the right hand.

Resting and finished utensil positionsGeneral Etiquette

Turn off cell phones and beepers Have proper posture Keep elbows off the table Do not apply makeup or comb your hair at the table Utensil Remember never to hold a utensil in a fist Do not talk with your utensils Set the utensils on your plate, not the table,

when you are not using them

Do not use both hands simultaneously to hold utensils and cupsNapkins

Use your napkin frequently Do not use your napkin as a tissue If you have to sneeze, turn your head away from the table

While Eating

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Wait for everyone to get their meal before starting yours Take small bites Cut your salad into bite size pieces if necessary Try to pace yourself to finish at the same time as everyone else If you leave the table, excuse yourself and place your napkin on your seat When you are finished eating, place your napkin neatly to the left of your

plate, but do not push your

place setting away from youInterview Etiquette:

Show up late and think it doesn't matter. Anticipate getting lost, gettingstuck in traffic, and spending 10 minutes looking for parking. Time is money

and the person interviewing you has set aside a period of time for you.You've just wasted his time and that's a bad thing. It also plants the seed in

his head that you are someone who doesn't plan for contingencies and are

likely to be chronically late for work if he hires you.

Keep you cell phone on so he'll know just how important you are. A big no-no. Turn off your cell phone -- off altogether -- before entering the door to

that office. You only have a brief window of time with your interviewer and

you want to make sure that you have no interruptions that might break the

interviewer's concentration. It also pays deference to the interviewer andshows how important this job interview is to you. Plus, isn't self-importance

one of the deadly sins? It should be.

Offer a limp handshake. People who do this are generally intimidated by thesituation. Don't let that be you. There is an art to hand-shaking. It goes like

this: Extend your right hand in vertical position with the thumb upright and

fingers extended. Shake web to web firmly. Don't squeeze so hard that a trip

to the ER becomes necessary and just shake with two pumps, then release.

Also, wait for the interviewer to extend his hand first. If the interviewer is

seated at the desk when you enter the room, wait for her to rise and walk

around the desk to greet you. You don't want to invade the interviewer's

personal space.

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Chat up a storm. When you get nervous, there's a tendency to verbally rushin and fill the silence ala Chatty Cathy. Don't do it. The key to being a good

conversationalist is to listen and ask thoughtful questions. Do your research

beforehand.

Slouching. It seems your mother was right. People who stand with erectshoulders make a better impression. Don't slouch. Stand up straight.

Business Etiquette:

Greet everyone you encounter cheerfully and with a smile on your way intothe office. On your way out, remember to thank the receptionist / office boys

etc.

Good bosses, employees and colleagues don't forget their manners.Remember 'please' and 'thank you'.

Always show your appreciation with a smile. Be polite to hired help like peons, drivers, delivery boys etc. Do not talk loudly when you talk over the phone or to your colleagues. Talk

in a soft and clear voice.

Take instructions with grace and give instructions gracefully. On occasions like birthdays, staff members should receive a personal gift,

good wishes and words of appreciation from the boss and colleagues.

Always be considerate. The last person to leave the office should not have toswitch off all the lights, air conditioners and computers. For example, when

a photocopier runs out, whoever used the last sheet of paper should refill it.

When you are going to get yourself a cup of tea, coffee or a cold beverage,offer to bring one for your co-workers as well.