Welcome to June and National Business Etiquette Week!
As a native Southerner and the grand-daughter of a true Southern Belle and bona fide grande dame (that's here on the right), manners are something I grew up caring about.
And it's something I've written a lot about, too. Here's an excerpt from an article I wrote for AirTrans' in-flight magazine on why good etiquette is good for business:
Manners bring positives that help you get ahead. Consider these key elements of manners:
Empathy > “Being able to put yourself in someone else’s shoes—whether it’s a co-worker, boss, subordinate or client— is the core of etiquette.” – Peggy Post, The Emily Post Institute
Respect > “No matter how much you might disagree with someone’s opinion, you can still give them the respect and dignity they deserve.” – Carol Vecchio, Centerpoint Institute for Life and Career Renewal
Courtesy > “We have all hired someone who was less qualified on paper, simply because they presented so professionally and powerfully.” – Heather Gatley, The Ryder System, Inc.
Gratitude > “People appreciate people who are appreciative.” – Neil Resnick, Avison Young
Sincerity > “People are busy and they see through insincere praise and indirect help.” – Peyton Anderson, serial entrepreneur
Here are some other articles I've penned that can help you--or people you know--tune up their business etiquette this week and every week:
- Netiquette for your job search (Monster.com)
- Why manners still matter in business (Gwinnett Business Journal)
- In praise of hand-written notes (TWF blog)
- Should you send a post-interview thank-you note? (Monster.com)
- Why you should care about your manners (TWF blog)
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More etiquette and style tips from Bloomberg Businessweek