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 for him 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 wherever he goes. Etiquette teaches you the way to talk, walk and most importantly behave in the society. Etiquette is essential for an everlasting first impression. The way you interact 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 the society. 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 encounter with 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 most social situations.

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 less interruption you create the better. When invited to a business meeting, be sure to reply if a reply is requested. 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 other attendees 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

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 the table. 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 using the left hand to hold the food while cutting and when eating. American style: cutting the food with the right hand and holding the food with the left, then switching hands to eat with the right hand. Resting and finished utensil positions General 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 cups Napkins 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

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 you Interview Etiquette: Show up late and think it doesn't matter. Anticipate getting lost, getting stuck 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 nono. 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 and shows 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 the situation. 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.

 Chat up a storm. When you get nervous, there's a tendency to verbally rush in 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 erect shoulders make a better impression. Don't slouch. Stand up straight. Business Etiquette:

Greet everyone you encounter cheerfully and with a smile on your way into the 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 to switch 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.