Office Manners and Etiquette

Reading Materials
(for training room use only)
Office Etiquette & Manners
Politeness costs nothing
e-mail: [email protected]
www.lifebangladesh.com
By: Khan Sarfaraz Ali, CEO - LIFE /Cell: 01817528067, e-mail: [email protected]
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Office Manners: Concept & Meaning

Khan Sarfaraz Ali
Office etiquette or manners is about conducting respectfully and courteously in the office or workplace. It helps to act with honesty and dignity. Manners involve a wide range of social interactions within cultural norms. According to World English Dictionary, manner is a way of doing something or the way in which a thing is done or happens. In other word, it is a way of acting; bearing or behavior. Manner is the socially correct way of acting or etiquette. The French word tiquette is a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within a society, social class,
or group. Scholars defined etiquette in different way. Among them few are as below: business etiquette employee etiquette employer etiquette office party etiquette dining etiquette toilet etiquette e-mail etiquette telephone etiquette cell phone etiquette dress up etiquette meeting etiquette Office manners and etiquette mold up a person to cope with organizational norms and culture. A support staff with proper etiquette can easily become affectionate to everybody; whereas an executive or official without office manners may lose his image gradually. People often become confused in respect to their behavior in social and professional life. Sometime they even fail to understand the differences between social and professional behavior.
Understanding Behavior: Social and Professional Social behavior is directed towards society, or taking place between, members of the same species. Behavior such as predation which involves members of different species is not social. While many social behaviors are communication (provoke a response, or change
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in behavior, without acting directly on the receiver) communication between members of different species is not social behavior. Professional is defined by Merriam-Webster's dictionary as "characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of one's profession." It is important to remain professional at all times when engaged in a business environment, whether for a company or your own business. Being professional not only lets people know you are a reputable person to work with, but also conveys intelligence and poise regarding your position. People who are professional are unfailingly polite, courteous and well-spoken, no matter what the situation. Being professional means you keep your cool and remain calm under any circumstances. No matter how upset a co-worker or customer makes you, you don't react; you deal with the situation rationally and calmly.
Not everyone places an emphasis on professional behavior. When this happens, it's important that you still remain businesslike and not react to this adverse behavior. Instead, remain professional, no matter what the behavior is of those around you.
Many people confuse professionalism with passiveness. However, it is far more important to remain committed to your work and behave ethically in all endeavors. Remember that it is possible to remain passionate about what you do and still be willing to stand up for yourself and your ideals. Professional behavior exhibits behaviors that are in compliance with program policies, institutional policies, professional ethical standards, and societal laws in classroom, field, and community. Shows potential for responsible and accountable behavior by knowing and practicing within the scope of social work, respecting others, being punctual and dependable, prioritizing responsibilities, attending class regularly, observing deadlines, completing assignments on time, keeping appointments or making appropriate arrangements, and accepting supervision and criticism in a positive manner. Professional behavior comprises following set of skills and qualities: Communication Skills Interpersonal Skills Cognitive Skills Stress Management Emotional and Mental Capacities Professional Commitment Professional Behavior
Reflective Stance
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Ethical Obligations, Duties and Responsibilities Manners in Communication Manners create a framework that allows us to communicate with fewer misunderstandings, and with clear expectations for what will happen. Good manners are simply knowing how to behave in a way that doesnt make the people around you uncomfortable. Being mindful of those around us can enhance our job prospects and get ahead more easily, both in the workplace and in life. Here are 30 things can be followed to make life in the office easier for you and for those around you. 1. Dont blame-storm 2. Chewing gum 3. Dressing with respect 4. Personal hygiene 5. Cover your mouth and say excuse me 6. Keep interruptions to a minimum 7. If someone does something nice, be appreciative 8. Be helpful and cooperate with your colleagues 9. Dont be afraid to apologize 10. Look after new employees 11. Dont have a really messy desk 12. Wait your turn to speak in a meeting 13. Respect your elders 14. Manners at all times : say please and thank you 15. Keep your damn phone on silent! 16. Clean up the kitchen 17. Dont come in late 18. Dont hover 19. Its not nice to groom yourself at your desk 20. Keep your headphones and radio low 21. Dont be a bully 22. Help others with computer problems 23. Dont be too loud 24. Please and thank you
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25. Dont criticize, be constructive 26. Dont gossip 27. Fundraisers, garage sales, kids raffle tickets 28. Dont stand and wait for someone to finish a phone call 29. If you borrow something return it! 30. Knock before entering
Manners in Conversation Demonstrate all the appropriate behaviors in your own actions, whatever your place in the corporate hierarchy. Acting as a role model is one of the most effective means of reinforcing what is acceptable and expected. Using good manners is fundamental to a healthy workplace. It is never right to act in ways that you would never think of doing in a social setting. When anyone crosses the courtesy line, it's time to revisit the basics of manners and consideration within your organization. When office has a foundation of good manners, it will encourage co-workers to act appropriately and it will encourage them to accept nothing less from those around them. A guideline is illustrated below: tone, manner, language say please; thank you; youre welcome be friendly, polite and courteous and you will see the benefits in your own life good manners make a better person there's no excuse for discourtesy keep workspace tidy people notice small courtesies learn to control yourself - you are not a kid anymore watch language, tone and manners.
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Office Etiquette & Manners

Politeness costs nothing

Office Manners: Concept & Meaning

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