The main aspects of business etiquette

Decent behavior during communication is a direct indicator of the level of our culture. And in modern society, the rules of conduct play an important role. The general impression of a person has a direct impact on his reputation and status. Knowledge and observance of the rules and norms of etiquette, the ability to make a pleasant impression, to build effective communication are significant elements in a person's life. That is why many business partners pay special attention to the behavior of the people around them.

Etiquette includes moral and moral concepts, norms and principles of behavior and communication of people, which we must use not only in society, but also in the family, when communicating with colleagues at work. Business etiquette is of particular importance.

Conscientious work, high awareness of social duty and mutual assistance - all these qualities in business ethics must be able to educate and improve in oneself. And correct and competent speech, image, ability to stay in society and understanding of the intricacies of non-verbal communication will help to win people over.

Key features of business etiquette.

• In business etiquette, under the concept freedom it is understood that ethics should not impede the free will of all partners.In a business environment, you should value not only your freedom, but also the importance of trade secrets and the freedom of action of partners, that is, not to interfere in the affairs of other companies and not to interfere with the choice of methods of execution of agreements. And also freedom presupposes a tolerant attitude towards the religious and national characteristics of the interlocutors.
• Particular attention must be paid to your speech, this will help politeness... When communicating with colleagues, partners and clients, the tone and timbre of the voice should always be affable and friendly. A respectful attitude not only helps to maintain good relationships, but also helps to increase the company's bottom line.
• Tolerance and tolerance are about understanding and accepting the weaknesses or weaknesses of partners, clients or colleagues. This attitude contributes to the establishment of mutual trust and understanding.

• Tactfulness and delicacy expressed in the ability to listen and hear the opponent. When communicating with an interlocutor, you should always take into account age, gender, religious beliefs, moreover, when communicating, you need to bypass unacceptable topics. This fact must be taken into account when negotiating with foreign interlocutors. The customs and traditions of other countries may seem strange and incomprehensible, and the behavior and actions - arrogant or familiar. It is customary to give compliments, but at the same time it is important not to cross the fine line of delicacy, and not to go over into hypocrisy. It is only important to be able to hear and make the correct counter offer.
• Punctuality and responsibility Are one of the key principles of culture. People who don't know how to manage their time, who are late for meetings and meetings, leave an indelibly negative impression. The day of modern people is scheduled literally for minutes: time is valuable not only for you, but also for business partners, colleagues and subordinates. A delay of more than 5 minutes is regarded as a gross violation of business etiquette. And even the most sincere apologies cannot make amends.
• Justice consists in an unbiased assessment of the individual qualities of people and their work. You need to respect their individuality, ability to accept criticism and listen to recommendations.
• Diligence and responsibility means the ability to take responsibility and get the job done on time.

Further cooperation with people depends on the observance of the basic principles of etiquette. By violating certain rules in society, you risk your image, and in a business environment - the company's reputation, and such blunders can cost a lot of money or a career ladder.

The main functions of business etiquette.

• Socio-cultural: the acceptance of the individual and the group increases the efficiency of business interaction and optimizes work activity: the formation of rules and norms of behavior is necessary not only in the business environment, but also in all aspects of human life.
• Regulatory allows you to navigate in a difficult or non-standard situation, which ensures stability and order. Behavior standardization facilitates the process of establishing communication in any typical business situation. Thus, it avoids mistakes, troubles and stress. Helps to reach mutual understanding and save time when negotiating. Formation of a positive image of the company and the leader in the eyes of employees, customers and partners.

• Integrative function ensures group cohesion. Socialization allows even a beginner to cope with the assigned tasks using a work template. Promotes the development and formation of personality, allows you to solve a disciplining problem and master the rules of business etiquette in a short time.
• Communicative function correlates with maintaining good relationships and lack of conflict.

The rules of business etiquette must be observed in all life situations, regardless of the circumstances. Business etiquette is applicable:

• at work;
• in telephone conversations and business correspondence;
• at official receptions or business dinners;
• in travel.

Sign language allows you to learn much more about character than words and appearance. Non-verbal signs reflect the essence and inner world of a person, for example, crossed arms or legs signaling distrust, tightness or insecurity.

It is impossible not to note egocentrism, which is often attributed with negative connotations, on the contrary, such behavior says that we have a professional in his field, he can negotiate and not forget about his point of view. Such a person is interested in a positive outcome of the dispute, but he will undoubtedly defend his point of view.

Not knowing the basic tenets of etiquette creates many problems and sometimes leads to career ruin. Today, business in Russia has its own specific features in ethics - thus a new culture of business communication is being formed.

There are many rules and requirements in it that must be followed. Some components have already lost their relevance. For example, it was previously believed that a woman should get out of the elevator first, but now the rules of etiquette say that the first one to get out of the elevator is the one who stands closest to the door.

There are eight main areas of business etiquette.

• Positive attitude and a friendly attitude towards employees and partners allows you to positively endear people.
• Subordination: different people have their own ways and manners of communication, you must always remember with whom you are conducting a dialogue. For example, you can have friendly relations with the project manager and communicate with each other on "you", but at a meeting with partners, only addressing "you" and by name and patronymic is permissible.
• When greeting should not be limited only to the phrases "Hello" or "Good afternoon", it is also necessary to use non-verbal gestures: bow, handshake, nod or wave of the hand. Also, do not forget about the simple words of courtesy "Thank you", "Sorry", "All the best", etc.
• Handshake - an obligatory element of greeting, goodbye and conclusion of an agreement, which gives the mood for further communication. The first one extends his hand to the person who is younger in status or age. But if there is a dialogue with a woman, then the man extends his hand first. But a woman is always the first to greet her boss or leader.

• In a business society, there is no gender division of people, only service ranks are taken into account... In any circles, the person who is younger in rank or age is the first to introduce himself and greet. There is the following order: first, the younger is introduced to the elder, the man is the woman, the lowest in status is introduced to the leader, the latecomers are presented to those who are waiting.During the greeting and acquaintance, it is necessary to stand, but at the same time the woman can sit. But if you are the leader and the host at the same time, then you have to say the first word.
• Any person with whom you do business must be respectful, you also need to calmly and adequately take criticism and advice from the outside.
• No need to say too much - secrets of an institution, company, partners or colleagues must be kept as carefully as personal.
• Acceptance or presentation of flowers, gifts and souvenirs is permitted within the framework of business ethics. The occasion can be personal events or corporate achievements. It is better for the leader to make one gift from the team. A personal gift is best done behind closed doors and on a special occasion. A present to a colleague or colleague can be made for any reason - but in this case, as a rule, the principle “you are for me; I - for you. " Congratulations from a manager to a subordinate are usually done individually or publicly, but then all employees are presented with the same gifts.

An educational and cultured person can always competently express his thoughts not only orally, but also in writing. The main requirements for business correspondence are brevity, conciseness and correctness. There are fundamentals for business letters and documentation.

• The letter must be competently composed without spelling, punctuation and stylistic errors. Communication style is business-like, with the use of stationery.
• It is necessary to decide on the type and urgency of the letter delivery.
• Any official appeal must comply with the accepted and valid templates. It is advisable to draw up a letter on the official letterhead of the company or division. Each appeal or response must be personal and personal.
• You need to indicate the recipient's initials, position, department or department to which the letter is sent. The data of the sender must be indicated with detailed contact information, indicating the name of the company and the position of the employee.

• You should not use a lot of professional terminology, and you should also avoid ambiguous expressions and jargon.
• The main part of the letter consists of an introduction and a description of the purpose and subject of the conversation. The text must be convincing with sufficient reasoning and not exceed 1.5 pages. At the end of the letter the sender's signature is put.
• If the letter has an international direction, then it must be in the language of the recipient.
• When it is sent by e-mail, it is worth paying attention to the "subject line" field. The line indicates: type of document, subject and summary.

Etiquette directs communication in the right direction, ensures the professional activities of managers and subordinates with appropriate standards, rules, norms. As Dale Carnegie argued, only 15% of success depends on professional achievements and knowledge, and 85% - on the ability to communicate with people.

Business protocol is governed by rules and regulations. There is a technology that allows you to quickly and easily establish contact, here are the basic guidelines.

• Show a sincere interest in people - when talking with your interlocutor, you need to take into account his opinion and interest. And remember that listening is just as important as speaking.
• Demonstrate cordiality and speak with a smile - benevolence encourages communication. It is not for nothing that Americans believe that a smile can overcome any barriers.
• Diction plays an important role in communication - pay attention to your speech, to the correct pronunciation of words and the correct placement of stress.
• Address the interlocutor by name, or better by name and patronymic - maintain a dialogue, be patient and attentive to what they say to you. Build your conversation so that the conversation is about common interests.
• Do not use parasitic words and obscene language - speech should be appropriate to society and the situation. Communication can be diluted with witty jokes, aphorisms, winged words and figurative comparisons.

• Avoid conflict situations - do not use categorical statements, criticism and take into account the interest of all parties in resolving the case.
• Take care of your wardrobe - a sloppy look, a tattered suit, and an unkempt hairstyle are considered neglect and are viewed negatively by others.
• There should be several business cards in your jacket pocket. Their absence is considered a sign of bad taste and will be perceived from the negative side.
• If you are just applying for a job, try to be calm and confident during the interview. Watch your posture and walk into the office with your head up. Do not rush to sit on the first chair, wait until you are asked to do this. Communicate with courtesy and confidence, keep your legs parallel to each other, and do not cross your arms.

The appearance should correspond to the nature of the event, it determines the status and position of a person in society. Some companies have a corporate dress code. The most common type of business attire is a suit.

• Clothing color - a combination of dark and light shades in clothing is considered optimal, for example, a dark jacket and a white shirt. Preference should be given to dark suits - blue or gray. Light colors in clothes are allowed only in summer. A mandatory requirement is that all buttons on the jacket must be buttoned up during negotiations. An unbuttoned jacket is allowed only during the period of informal communication.
• It is etiquette for men to choose long-sleeved shirts. Shirts without pockets are considered the best option. Shirts with short sleeves are only allowed in summer.
• The tie should not have bright colors or intricate patterns. It should harmoniously match the color scheme with the entire wardrobe and completely cover the belt buckle on the trousers. And the lingering end should not protrude from the front.

• A business suit can be combined only with classic footwear. Shoes must be perfectly polished.
• Socks should be long and match the shoes.
• In the breast pocket of a jacket, a handkerchief is used only for beauty; it should ideally match in color with a shirt and tie.
• From the accessories you need to choose a strict bag, a briefcase or a classic folder.
• As for jewelry, a man is better off turning to a ring or signet ring, watches, cufflinks and a tie clip.

• Business suit for womanThere are fewer requirements for a woman's costume in terms of color. The main thing is that the wardrobe should be dark or neutral calm shades. An elegant dress or trouser suit made of dense fabrics is allowed.
• Bare legs are unacceptable at any time of the year, so stockings must be matched to each suit.
• Bright makeup and an abundance of jewelry are inappropriate in a business society. You should not combine silver or gold jewelry with costume jewelry.
• Choose a light and discreet perfume.

You will learn even more about the basic rules of business etiquette in the following video.