Professional etiquette is more important than ever.
But what exactly does it mean to have good professional etiquette, and why should you care?
Imagine walking into a room where everyone is not just communicating but truly connecting. That’s the power of professional etiquette. It’s the subtle art of building relationships and fostering respect in the workplace. It goes beyond non-verbal communication and incorporates variety of other elements to help you make a long lasting impression.
What is Professional Etiquette?
Professional etiquette refers to the set of unwritten rules that govern how we interact with others in a business setting.
It includes everything from how we communicate to how we dress, and even how we conduct meetings. It’s about respect, consideration, and creating a positive impression.
Have you ever considered how much these small details can impact your career progression?
Why is professional etiquette important?
Practicing good professional etiquette is a barrier often in the way from mid-management to senior management. It’s not about what you know and what you can do, but its about how you present yourself and how others see you. It can open doors for you, helping you to stand out in the workplace.
Have you ever noticed how some people just seem to have everything fall into place for them?
Often, it’s because they excel in the art of professional etiquette.
Professionals with strong interpersonal skills are more likely to advance in their careers faster and with less effort. Why? Because they are seen as having the “secret sauce”, they know how to carry themselves, they are aware of the impact of their presence.
They have the skills to where it improves relationship with colleagues, better team cohesion, unparalleled impact, and invisible career opportunities. Invisible career opportunities rarely gets posted online or openly advertises, these are the rumored roles open for the “right” people. It’s not an urgent need for the company, but a good to have and essential for the next chapter for the department or organization.
Key elements of professional etiquette
Communication
Effective communication is at the heart of professional etiquette.
How often have you found yourself in a situation where a message was misunderstood?
Clear and concise communication can prevent such misunderstandings. Remember, it’s not just about what you say, but how you say it. Tone, body language, and active listening play crucial roles. Check out the communications career advice articles to develop your communication skills.
Dress Code
“Dress for success”, you’ve heard it probably. There is a shift in more CEOs doing away with the business professional attire to a bit more relaxed business casual attire, but that all depends on the company culture, leadership, and industry.
It’s best to put your best foot forward by dressing as professional as you can. Your attire is a reflection of your professionalism and can significantly impact first impressions. Dressing appropriately for your industry shows respect for your role and for those around you.
When you’re going into an unknown professional situation, dress at a higher level than you think is needed. It takes fraction of time to make a first impression, the more relaxed you are the better for you, but that might not be seen as professional and might question your desire and dedication to the profession. As you advance in your industry, you can let loose a bit while staying within your comfort zone.
Punctuality and Time Management
Being on time is a simple yet powerful way to show respect. It shows you care and you’ve calculate your path to be there on time. You’ve likely heard this at some point, “If you’re on time, you are late. If you’re late, you’re really late, but if you’re at least 5 minute early, you’re on time.”
Showing up early will always serve you better than showing up late, even fashionably late. Coming early allows you to study the new environment, learn the process, and welcome other early guests. This is perfect if you’re nervous. It’ll allow you to take a moment to calm down because you aren’t battling traffic or other barriers to coming on time.
Arriving on time, or late, will increase your stress level. Sometimes that’s unavoidable, but whenever possible come at least 5 minutes before the time agreed. Also, come TOO early is a sign of poor time management. For example, if you come 30 minutes early it might not be a good professional etiquette as you’ll have to wait a 30 minutes which can become uncomfortable. If you’re 30 minutes early, give yourself 15 minutes to explore the surrounding area.
Your value is shown not only on your arrival but also your departure and how you’ve used the time given to you. Each environment will be different, so have an internal agenda of what you’d like to get from the time and space, and who you’d like to connect with during this time. Don’t over extend yourself by staying longer than you’d like, letting people know you have to leave early for prior commitment can help you build more credibility. There’s an art to time management.
Digital Communication Etiquette
In our digital world, a significant amount of communication is conducted digitally, emails, text, WhatsApp, Slack, Discord, etc. It’s crucial to know that 7% of communication is word used, and 93% is non-verbal communication. So, how do you balance communication?
Digital communication relying 100% on the words and crafting clear, polite, and professional message is essential. Emoji’s can help us convey nuances, but shouldn’t be reliant on them because the reader might interpret the message differently. Whenever possible, communicate with kindness, objective, and be concise and ask for confirmation or clarity.
Asking for confirmation and/or following up with a in-person or verbal communication can help reduce miscommunication and help with developing the interpersonal skills needed to have high professional etiquette.
Role of professional etiquette
Professional etiquette is not just about following rules; it’s about building genuine connections with those around you.
When was the last time you went out of your way to make a new colleague feel welcome?
Simple gestures like a warm greeting or a compliment can make a significant difference. Taking the time to learn about your colleagues’ interests can transform a workplace into a more enjoyable and productive environment. These thoughtful actions that lay the groundwork for trust and collaboration.
Through these relationships, your professional and growth will be unlocked. While you’re climbing the ranks, it’s best to have mentors and supporters at higher level engaged in your progress and process. Start by establishing relationship with colleagues, and go beyond that level to speak with managers to learn from them. This is part of professional etiquette because this is what sets you apart from more senior level roles.
Professional etiquette and leadership
As you grow in your career, professional etiquette becomes even more critical. Leaders with strong etiquette skills not only command respect but also inspire their teams.
Are you a leader who practices what you preach?
By embodying professional etiquette, you set a standard for others to follow. The Center for Creative Leadership found that leaders who prioritize interpersonal skills and etiquette are more effective in their roles (Center for Creative Leadership, 2023). They cultivate an environment where collaboration thrives and innovation flourishes by valuing etiquette, you demonstrate a commitment to not just personal success but the success of your entire team.
Consider organizing regular workshops or discussions focused on professional etiquette to reinforce its importance within your organization. These sessions can provide practical tips and encourage open dialogue about the nuances of professional interactions.
Remember, the way you conduct yourself sets the tone for your team. Your actions can motivate others to embrace a culture of respect and integrity.
Seeking support
Your professional etiquette will follow you through your career, and many get stuck because their etiquette keeps them at a lower professional level than their capability. At a certain point in your career, the systems and process you’ve built will limit your progress. Working on the foundations of professional etiquette early will separate you from your peers and help you advance in your professional development.
There is a trap, sometimes, we set self-sabotaging trap for ourselves from achieving the next level in our career. This is subtle and has a way keeping us stuck in our career. This is where working with a coach can help, they can identify the barriers keeping you stuck in your career and help you unlock those barriers and help you climb the leadership ladder with ease. Schedule a free consultation to learn how you might be hurting your chances of getting that promotion.
