DOES ETIQUETTE REALLY STILL MATTER?

1. Facilitates Smooth Interactions: Etiquette helps prevent misunderstandings and conflicts, allowing for smoother social and professional interactions.
2. Builds Respect: Demonstrating consideration and good manners shows respect for others, fostering mutual respect and positive relationships in the workplace.
3. Enhances Reputation: Good etiquette can enhance one's personal and professional reputation, making individuals more likable and trustworthy.
4. Promotes Inclusivity: By adhering to social norms, individuals can make others feel comfortable and included.
5. It’s always in style:  it never goes out of date, consider it your USP!

Good Etiquette:

• Use Proper Greetings: Always greet people with a smile and a hello.
• Say “Please” and “Thank You”: These simple phrases show appreciation and politeness.
• Practice Good Table Manners: Eat politely and respect the dining customs of others.
• Be Mindful of Your Language: Use polite and appropriate language in different settings.
• Respect Personal Space: Be mindful of others' comfort zones.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing suitable for the occasion.
• Be a Good Listener: Pay attention to others when they speak, showing interest and respect.
• Put Your Phone Away: Avoid distractions and give your full attention to the people you are with.
• Treat Everyone the Same:  Be authentic.

Bad Manners:

• Interrupting others while they are speaking.
• Using a phone during conversations, meetings or at the dining table.
• Talking loudly on a mobile in a public place or train.
• Ignoring or failing to greet people.
• Speaking loudly or using inappropriate language.
• Invading personal space.
• Being late without a valid reason or advance warning and apology.
• Being off hand and failing to say “please” or “thank you”.
• Unattractive table manners, such as chewing loudly, slurping or speaking with a full mouth.

Networking, Manners, Communication: These skills are essential for building and maintaining professional and personal relationships. Good manners and effective communication will always help with networking and relationship building.

Firm Handshake, Eye Contact: A firm handshake and making eye contact demonstrate confidence and sincerity and engender trust.

Relaxed, Easy Smile: A warm smile can make interactions more pleasant and help build rapport.

Listening Attentively: Showing genuine interest in what others are saying without interrupting them is a key component of good communication.

1. Family and Friends: Observing and mimicking the behaviour of close ones.
2. School and Education: Many schools incorporate lessons on social skills, good manners and etiquette.
3. Professional Training: Etiquette coaches and workshops can provide formal training.
4. Workplace Mentors: Learning from colleagues and superiors who exhibit good manners.

• Coaching: Professional etiquette coaches can be beneficial for individuals at all career stages, whether a recent graduate or a CEO who may need guidance on social norms and expectations.

• Corporate Training: Increasingly companies like KPMG offer training programmes to ensure their employees understand and practice good etiquette.

• Prepare for your interview:  Shows interest and respect.

• Arrive on Time: Punctuality shows respect for the interviewer’s time.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear professional attire suitable for the company’s culture.

• Be Polite and Courteous: Greet everyone you meet with a smile, good eye contact and a firm handshake from the Receptionist to the CEO.

• Listen and Respond Thoughtfully: Pay attention to questions and answer clearly and concisely.

• Consider writing a short email after your interview:  It gets you noticed.

• Ambassadors:  EAs, PAs, Private PAs and Team Assistants are all ambassadors for their company and the people they work for.  Often interacting with high-level stakeholders on behalf of their boss, a PA’s savoir faire, emotional intelligence and ability to accurately judge situations is key to their success.
• Receptionist:  the voice and face of their company and the importance of the Receptionist’s role should never be underestimated.
• Respect Boundaries: Avoid personal questions, respect privacy and be sensitive to the individuals around you.
• Maintain Professionalism: Dress and behave in a manner that reflects well on your role and the company.
• Effective Communication: Use polite and clear communication in emails and face-to-face interactions.
• Collaborative Behaviour: Be a team player, offering help and acknowledging others' contributions.
• Think before you speak:  Consider how the other person is likely to respond and choose your words carefully.
• Write sensitively:  Always ensure the tone of your communication is right and won’t cause offence.
• Conflict resolution:  Courtesy and good manners are often key to resolving and diffusing tricky and tense situations.  Constructive and thoughtful dialogue tends to increase the likelihood of a mutually beneficial solution rather than angry emails sent when emotions are high.