Did you know that only around 15 percent of workers feel engaged with their jobs?
If you aren’t tuned in to everything you’re doing in the workplace, then you could run into trouble. From missing out on promotion to committing a faux pas, these mistakes are the reason why mastering business etiquette is essential.
Are you ready to understand the basics of business etiquette? Keep reading for five tips that will help you become more successful.
1. Look the Part
Refining your wardrobe is one of the most important workplace skills out there. Not only does dressing well help boost other people’s perception of you, but it can also make you feel more confident.
Make sure you’re neither overdressed or underdressed since falling on either side of the spectrum can make you look a bit silly.
2. Be Punctual
As the saying goes, time is money, which means you should always appreciate other people’s busy schedules. Give yourself at least a 15-minute buffer zone in case you run into any delays, but make sure you don’t show up anywhere too early as well.
Being punctual is a sign of respect for whoever you’re working with because this means you don’t want them to wait around on your behalf.
3. Be Mindful of What You Say
Communication skills are often the hardest to improve since people have a fear of public speaking. Before you speak up, try to practice the gist of what you’d like to say in your head so all your contributions are worthwhile and reflect well on you.
Soon you can become a trusted authority figure and people will want to seek out your opinion.
4. Keep Your Phone on Silent
One of the top communication rules is to never let your phone call interrupt a conversation or meeting. Whether the sound of a call pierces through the room or you get distracted reading a text, your phone can be your downfall.
To avoid the temptation and any embarrassing situations, it’s best to double-check that your phone is on silent whenever you enter a professional environment.
5. Let Others Enjoy Their Space
Another element of developing better communication skills is to read people’s body language and never intrude.
If you need to talk to someone else in the office, make sure you knock and ask the person if they have time to chat for a minute. If you’re meeting with clients, pay attention to their cues so you know the appropriate time to say your goodbyes.
Mastering Business Etiquette Isn’t as Difficult as You May Imagine
Since there are so many business etiquette rules and they continue to evolve, it’s understandable why you may feel overwhelmed. By following this guide, you can be at peace knowing that you’ll maintain a professional reputation.
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