The manner of conducting oneself in a corporate setting is very important to the image and reputation of the company. Our conditioning and corporate values are brought to the surface. To some companies, corporate etiquette is highly regarded and strictly manifested by the employees. Our work attitude and behavior can make or break us as career individuals. One small action can create a good impression or can be misinterpreted by others.
Many professionals may not give it much thought but good office manners and professional etiquette contribute to their success in the corporate world. Career professionals are expected to understand and apply the right etiquette in the job. The rules of professional etiquette have changed over time, and every employee must be adaptable to these changes. However, basic and common corporate manners must not be taken for granted.
Acknowledging Corporate Hierarchy
The trend in some companies these days is that it is trying to adapt a casual environment by not putting too much emphasis on ranking and work status or position. The purpose is to create a comfortable working atmosphere among employees of various levels and status quo. So, the managers can reach out to their subordinates and the members can easily approach their superiors. However, despite the open and cordial relationship at work, a certain level or degree of respect and reverence is ideally to be manifested in a corporate setting.
If in the military setting a cadet stands and salutes upon seeing or meeting an official, in the corporate office some employees or junior executives bow their heads a bit as a sign of respect to the senior management. Or, if in a meeting senior executives come in, the members stand to acknowledge the presence of the individual.
For company newcomers, when you are introduced to the people in the office, do not initiate the handshake. Always wait for the person to offer to shake hands, especially if the individual is a high ranking official in the company. Use a firm grip when shaking hands and manage a good eye contact when greeting the person. The same protocol applies to meeting public and celebrity figures such as politicians or entertainers.
When on a business trip with a senior officer, follow the last-in, first-out protocol. Junior executives get on the vehicle first followed by the senior officials. The purpose of this is for the senior executives to get off first.
During corporate events and cocktail parties, professionals must always be on time. A subordinate or a junior employee who arrives later than those in the higher management is not giving a good impression. As a corporate etiquette, no lower-ranking employee must leave the venue unless the senior executives have left.
Carrying Out Directives
In a corporate setting, the employer or the higher management imposes company directives and implementations. Any employee who feels the need to react and object on the order must not go directly to the highest ranking official but should follow organizational hierarchy process. So, an objection must be first brought up to the team leader or supervisor then the supervisor consults it with the manager who then forwards the concern to the senior management for a deliberation.
Good Etiquette in Handling People
Unwritten rules are sometimes left unnoticed by corporate individuals. Sometimes, we just rely on the guidelines implemented by the company. A fundamental corporate etiquette is to build and keep a good relationship with colleagues and subordinates. As a professional, it is not good to compare people and determine a level of respect to offer according to job positions and rank.
In addressing fellow colleagues, make sure to address the person by first name basis. If possible, memorize the names of everyone in the company. It is good protocol to keep a record of contact details of your work mates in case something comes up. At least, you need not bug other colleagues with their contact information.
A junior employee must refrain from surprising the boss. Also, keep your superior informed and updated with your work-related activities and itineraries.
Corporate etiquette is very important in every working individual for survival and success both for personal and professional aspects. In the corporate world, it can make or break important deals. So, everyone is expected to manifest the ideal corporate manners in an organization.
