Good Business Manners – Codex of Civil Conduct

Let’s brush up on some rules which are accepted in every company and which signify the civil manner in which well-raised and educated people express and carry themselves, writes the Ladies IN portal.

Introducing each other

– The man introduces himself to the woman first (if seated, he should get up). The woman introduces herself to the man first if he is higher up on the hierarchy.

– The younger person introduces themselves to the older one.

– When introducing yourself, say your first and last name, without titles.

– Smile and look the person in the eyes when introducing yourself.

– The man should get up when introducing himself.

– The woman doesn’t get up during the introduction.

– Don’t interrupt a conversation between two people – in order to introduce somebody.

Saying hello

– Shake hands when arriving and leaving.

– Don’t be late for a business meeting for more than five minutes.

– It is not polite to come to a business meeting too soon.

– When a visitor enters your office, stand up from your desk.

– At your office, you finish the conversation.

Business meal

– A dinner is not a good time for a business conversation.

– Start talking about work after the appetizer or the entrée.

– The customer or the client never pays for a business lunch.

E-mail

– Start your e-mails with – Dear (Dear Sir/Madam…).

– Including the title is part of good business manners.

– The mail should be clear, concise, have a title, a kind regards note, a finish and a signature.

– Limit the content to around 20 lines.

– Avoid the use of smileys.

– Answer an e-mail within 24 hours.

– If you are absent, set up an automatic reply or an alternative contact.

Phone conversations

– A phone conversation should be short and efficient.

– Don’t let the phone ring for too long.

– Don’t talk too fast or too slow.

– Introduce yourself at the beginning of the conversation.

– Return the call if you’ve missed it.

– Don’t take calls in the presence of another person.

– The person who calls first must also finish the conversation first.

DRESSING

Men

– Black, grey and dark-blue suits are preferred.

– The pant leg length should go down to the mid-back part of the shoe.

– Avoid shirts with pronounced patterns.

– Shirt sleeves need to be visible beneath the suit jacket – about two centimeters.

– The recommendation is to wear a tight white T-shirt with short sleeves beneath the shirt.

– Also, it is important for men to always wear socks which go above the calves.

– The tie is a mark of the taste and the character of the wearer. Pay special attention to how it is tied.

Ladies

– Dress practically and elegantly.

– Your suits should feature a classic design and neutral colors – dark-blue, grey, or black.

– The shoulders must always be covered.

– Skirts and dresses must be at knee-length or longer.

– Shoes need to be closed, the heel should be of medium height or flat.

– A businesswoman’s handbag should be spacious so that there’s enough room in it for all those items that are necessary for work, along with personal items.