Making strong connections is essential to professional success. However, one of the simplest ways to forge connections with others is often forgotten: basic professional etiquette. Polishing your etiquette can transform your communication, develop and maintain strong contacts, and expand your professional network. Check out our four tips below!
Drop Distractions: Your phone may help you increase your productivity, but all those notifications can be irritating to others. Never check incoming messages in the middle of a professional interaction; it makes it appear that you are not invested in the conversation. If you simply must check a message—say you’re expecting an extremely important call that you cannot miss—inform your conversation partner of your situation, so they know you’re not simply being rude.
Make Introductions: If you’re in a conversation with two people who don’t know each other, introduce them to one another. Not only is it polite, you may help them make valuable connections, a favor they’re likely to return in the future. If you are not sure whether the two people you’re speaking with know one another, ask, “Have you two met?” to be on the safe side.
Greetings Matter: With friends and family, acknowledging someone with a nod or smile may be fine, but in professional situations, greeting someone when they enter a room is basic courtesy. When someone enters the room and greets you, stand up and shake their hand. By formally acknowledging their entrance, you send the message that you consider them and their reason for speaking to you a priority.
Admit Your Mistakes: Everyone has a lapse in etiquette once in a while. If you find that you’ve done or said something that could be perceived as rude, simply acknowledge your mistake and apologize. Be sincere, but don’t go overboard; if you dwell on your mistake, it will only make the other person uncomfortable and draw more attention to the issue.
If your communication skills are holding you back from professional success and you want to make your communication skills your most powerful professional tool, make sure to pick up a free copy of my e-book “Communicate with Clarity and Confidence!” by subscribing to our newsletter community on our website. In this free resource, I break down the myriad factors that contribute to confident communication and guide you through how to use each aspect to your advantage.
Give us a call and see how Corporate Speech Solutions can improve your professional life! Call us at 212-308-7725 or send us an e-mail at jayne@corporatespeechsolutions.com to learn more. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
