“If you had a commission to give and you entered a man’s office and found him lolling back in a tipped swivel chair, his feet above his head, the ubiquitous cigar in his mouth and his drowsy attention fixed on the sporting page of the newspaper, you would be impressed not so much by his lack of good manners as by his bad business policy, because of the incompetence that his attitude suggests.” (Emily Post, Etiquette in Society, In Business, In Politics and At Home, 531)

The importance of business etiquette and manners can easily be forgotten in this fast paced world today. With the volume of work put on us and the time sensitive nature of deadlines, it is easy to forget basic manners and etiquette.

Etiquette and manners in the workplace is important at any level of your career. Here is a top ten list of tips to remember throughout your career:

1. Telephone manners: Speak clearly and professionally when on a business call, remember you’re not chatting with your friend. Your coworker doesn’t need to hear about the Lady Gaga concert last night or your hot date. If you use your cell phone for business purposes, a simple clear message with your name. Get rid of the ring-back tones. I don’t want to enjoy the music while my party is reached. Personal phone calls are not recommended in the workplace, but sometimes they can’t be avoided. If on a personal phone call, keep your office door closed and/or keep your voice down.
2. Email: Conveying something via email is different than speaking it over the phone. Read and re-read your email before sending it to make sure it is sending the correct message. Focus on business writing, spelling and good grammar. Don’t abbreviate. This is not a text message to your pal. Your work email serves as a sample of your writing. Writing in CAPS is considered screaming. No rainbow colored fonts; they are fun but not necessary. Always remember to say thank you at the end.
3. Remember the basics mom taught you: Please and thank you.
4. Tone of voice: How something is said is as important as what is being said. Be mindful of your tone of voice.
5. Posture/Body Language: Our body language can suggest more than we know. Our posture and mannerism give a message all their own. Always sit up straight, never with arms folded.  
6. Attitude: We’re at work to work, not make friends, but that doesn’t mean we have to come in, close our door, and have a scowl on our face. Nobody wants to work with a negative person; it creates a toxic environment and can be viral. Check your problems at the door and have on a big Kool-Aid smile while you’re at the work place.
7. Gossip: It’s easy to get caught up in the juicy gossip of one’s coworkers. “Hey, did you hear that Judy asked out Timmy in Accounting”? Nobody likes to be talked about behind their back. It’s just not nice. Don’t get caught up in it.
8. Pushy, Pushy: Don’t barge in on someone while they are getting their work done and expect them to drop everything to help you with yours. If a person’s door is closed, they most likely don’t want to be disturbed. If it’s urgent, try politely calling them first and asking if they have a minute. Don’t go banging on their door and expect them to jump.
9. Greeting: It is common business practice in the US to stand and greet someone with a handshake when you meet them and say something like, “So very nice to meet you.” No, “Yo! What’s up.” You’re not greeting your bud. The handshake should be firm; don’t squeeze too hard, this isn’t a strength competition.
10. Lateness: Not only will it jeopardize your job, but lateness is rude. Being habitually late for meetings sends the message that your time is more important than others. Always be on time or a little early for meetings, this way you don’t keep others waiting.

Written by Nancianne Pearce