HowToDoThings.com Recent Business Etiquette Articles

How To Stand Up for Yourself

Marilisa560 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:13:37 -0600

"Standing up for yourself": kind of a dated term. It's what we now call assertiveness. But I still kind of like "standing up for yourself"; this phrase creates a clear directive for action. Research shows that people respond better to active vs. passive verbs. We also prefer to be told what to do, rather than what not to do. So I am going to give you a set of active verbs -- your 'to-do list' to stand up for yourself in any situation.

How To Give Gifts at Work

bronwyn — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 11:32:54 -0600

Buying gifts for coworkers can be a tricky business. When should you do it, and how much should you spend? Is it going to be awkward if a colleague buys you a Christmas present and you get him or her nothing in return? Should you buy gifts for your boss? Although each office is different, there are some tips that can apply universally.

How To Use Instant Messaging in the Workplace

christphe6 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:32:02 -0600

The use of instant messaging in the workplace is on the rise. Many people, myself included, believe that IM will someday replace email as the main communication tool for companies -- large and small. Given my current occupation, I think IM is fantastic -- it allows me to quickly and easily share code snippets with other developers, easily communicate non-technical information with other members of my team, and keep in touch with a few friends that I don't have the luxury of working with.

Having said that, companies for the most part don't have any "formal" guidelines in place when it comes to the use of IM by employees. However, just because said guidelines may not be in place, there are some "best practices" that you should try and stick to when using IM at work:

How To Network at a Holiday Party

Margaret — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:37:59 -0600

It’s that time again, peace on earth and goodwill to all. Or at least it would be if you were not worried about those darned office parties. What are they anyway? Are they work or are they parties? Here are some tips to help you navigate the maze of professional pitfalls that lurk behind that innocent invitation to celebrate with your co-workers.

Keep these tips in mind and emerge with your reputation clearer and stronger than ever before.

How To Analyze Handwriting

David Block — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:47:44 -0500

Handwriting analysis, or 'graphology', is based on analyzing the way the writer creates words and sentences through the physical action used to do so. Here are a handful of simple and basic principles that can provide intriguing insights to those around you.

It can help you better understand your partner, business colleagues, competitors, celebrities, family members, friends, yourself, and everyone else.

It can reveal aspirations, creativity, energy, fears, inhibitions, potential, sexual stability, strengths, weaknesses and much more. But it cannot accurately reveal a person’s age, future (other than potential), gender, left- or right-handedness, race, religion or sexual orientation.

How To Plan a Meeting

Mattheller — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:45:57 -0500

Face-to-face meetings are the best way to reach a decision that requires discussion. Great meetings don't happen by accident. They are a result of advance planning that considers the desired outcome of the meeting and the needs of meeting participants. Here are some planning steps you can take to make your next meeting truly terrific.

How To Lead a Truly Terrific Meeting

Mattheller — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:35:27 -0500

Face-to-face meetings are the best way to reach a decision that requires discussion. A well-planned meeting can fail miserably if the person leading the meeting does not perform well. Great meetings don't happen by accident. They are a result of an effective leader who understands the purpose and desired outcome of the meeting and considers the needs of meeting participants. Here are some steps you can take to make your next meeting truly terrific:

How To Write a Business or Social Speech

David Block — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 13:59:50 -0500

Your audience first and foremost. Remember that speeches are not just about something, they're for something. So ask yourself what you want your speech to achieve. Then consider the nature of your audience and how best to approach them to achieve your aims. When deciding on the tone and content of your speech, answer the following:
- What is your relationship with the audience?
  
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How To Write an Effective Email

Mattheller — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:28:46 -0500

The internet is full of tips for creating professional and effective emails. Much of this practical to-the-point advice is aimed at young people trying to land their first job. Unfortunately, ineffective emails are very common among those already in the workforce. Some ineffective emails are written by people who are unused to computers and electronic communication. Others are written by folks who have poor overall communication skills. The vast majority are written by ordinary people. We are most likely to write ineffective emails when we are busy, feeling lazy, trying to avoid confrontation, or starting a new position. Here are steps we can take to write effective emails.

How To Improve Your Punctuality

Brian263 — Wed, 02 May 2007 20:03:00 -0500

Ever wonder how it is that people who seem perfectly reasonable, intelligent and otherwise considerate somehow never learn to be on time? It's as if they're in a state of perpetual bafflement when it comes to their tardiness. How is this possible, you wonder, when they're chronically late for every engagement in their lives? Well take it from me, a person for whom punctuality had always been an elusive beast - it is possible for lateness to be a constant, unpleasant surprise for someone, and there are ways to break the habit.

How To Shake Hands

Vanessa264 — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:37:00 -0500

Let's face it: Some people--like the Kennedys--know how to shake hands. And considering that you can make or break a deal--or an election--depending upon how well you shake hands, it's important that you learn how to shake hands well:

First impressions. Your handshake will do much to establish a first impression of yourself. Even if your hand is greasy, sweaty or otherwise less-than-presentable, give it a quick swipe, and extend it anyway. Extending a hand is an important symbol of friendship, approachability, trustworthiness and it is all-important in establishing an initial connection with another person. Really, the significance of a handshake cannot be overstated--if you don't have a passable handshake, you aren't getting the job.

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How To Deliver an Acceptance Speech

Vanessa264 — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 15:40:00 -0600

While we're not sure how many of our readers are actually celebrities, we know that a number of you are celebrities in your own minds. Seriously, even if you're not going to be at the podium accepting an Oscar anytime soon, there is likely to be some occasion that calls for an expression of humble gratitude for accolades received. Here's how:

Humility not Hubris. Let the accolade say it for you. You have been recognized to the point of receiving an award: No need to self-aggrandize. Halle Berry demonstrated how not to do this with her acceptance speech for an Oscar for "Monster Ball" in 2001: "And I thank the Academy for choosing me to be the vessel for which His blessing might flow..." Uh-huh. Even if you do feel hand-picked by God, best keep that fact to yourself during an acceptance speech.

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How To Observe Etiquette In a Conference Call

Staff468 — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 18:33:00 -0600

"Conference call in the family room in 5, people." Have you ever read an email like this and rolled your eyes, dreading the myriad annoyances that are collectively associated with conference calls? "Why do we call it a family room when we can't stand one another?" you might wonder. In the office world, many of our daily frustrations, pet peeves and discordant moments revolve around communication. In order for your office to become more like a family, you must all observe proper etiquette in your communications, whether your mode be instant messaging, email, phone call or conference call. For now, let's focus on the conference call.

How To Behave at the Office Holiday Party

Tonya249 — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 18:24:00 -0500

Most holiday parties can be categorized in one of two ways - the ones that are social and the ones that are not. Your office holiday party definitely falls into the "not" category. Although on the surface, it seems like a social occasion, you should think of it as a way to improve your standing within the company. This isn't to say that an office party can't be lots of fun, but just remember - everything in moderation!

How To Encourage Workplace Etiquette in Employees

Stacy451 — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 07:53:00 -0500

Workplace etiquette can have a great impact on the atmosphere of a workplace. A workplace where employees have poor etiquette can create a negative environment where employees are always in conflict with each other and productivity is low. A workplace where employees practice good etiquette can be a place where employees thrive professionally.

Learn the ins and outs of workplace etiquette. You need to know exactly what workplace etiquette is if you are going to expect your employees to practice it. Workplace etiquette is a set of rules that employees are expected to follow where their behavior conveys respect towards others and the work of the workplace. You need to decide on what rules you think are important and will aid you in creating a more positive environment. You can use your common sense and speak to other managers to help you decide what rules you want to uphold.

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How To Practice Email Etiquette

Syndi446 — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:43:00 -0500

Start to finish.
- Always begin each message with a cordial greeting, such as dear or hello, or at very least the person's name.
- Never ramble on and on. Be as concise, specific, and brief as possible.
- Remember to sign your messages with both your first and last name and to configure an auto "signature" into your system which will contain all important contact information (including your full name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and a repeat of your email address).
Proofread messages.

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How To Practice Dining Etiquette

Syndi446 — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:32:00 -0500

When extending the invitation...

Always use the phrase "I would like you to be my guest" when extending the invitation orally or in writing.

Never say "how about joining me for lunch?"or "let's do lunch."

Remember the host always chooses the restaurant, not the guest.

Confirming details.

Always confirm details in writing, either by regular mail, e-mail, or fax.

Never assume a person will remember the appointment from memory.

Remember to call a day ahead of time to confirm the appointment.

Arriving at the restaurant.

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How To Practice Business Office Etiquette and Manners

Syndi446 — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 11:20:00 -0500

Monitor the volume of your conversations. Be sensitive to how loudly you may be speaking. Do you notice that people down the hall comment on your conversations?

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How To Ask For a Promotion

Elizabeth69 — Wed, 31 May 2006 10:59:00 -0500

You've been working hard and feel that you are ready to take a step up the corporate ladder. It's time to ask for a promotion. I can't tell you how to settle the butterflies in your stomach, but I can give you a few pointers on how to ask for the promotion:

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How To Practice Telephone Etiquette and Manners

Donna162 — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 12:22:00 -0500

In today's fast-paced business world, telephone communication is more important than ever. With the proliferation of cell phones, business is conducted 24/7 and the phone has become our lifeline. It is more important than ever to be aware of phone etiquette and manners. Here are some tips to ensure success.

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How To Practice Business Meeting Etiquette

Donna162 — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 11:15:00 -0500

Business meeting etiquette is basically good common sense, but one that takes a little practice. Certainly, we can all identify what not to do when planning and/or attending a meeting, but often what we really need is a set of guidelines as to how to do this successfully. Here are some tips to help.

Attending a Meeting:

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How To Develop and Practice Positive Work Habits

Elizabeth69 — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 11:26:00 -0500

Every workplace has them--the people that make it look easy. They are liked by coworkers as well as management. Promotions and raises naturally come their way. What is their secret? If you want to be that kind of employee, there are a few things that you can do to develop and practice positive work habits:

Identify the traits that you want to foster. Take a good look at your current strengths and weaknesses--and be honest with yourself. Everyone has room for improvement and the first step toward making changes is deciding what you want to work on.

Put yourself in the shoes of your boss. Try to be the employee that you'd want to have!

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How To Learn Japanese Business Protocol and Etiquette

J.150 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 06:34:00 -0500

Conducting business in a foreign country presents many unique challenges, especially when it comes to intercultural communication. Words and actions that are fully acceptable, or even expected, in some cultures might have negative effects in other cultures. This is particularly true when it comes to dealing with people from tradition-rich countries such as Japan, where a great deal of emphasis is placed on ritual. In order not to inadvertently offend your Japanese associates, it would be wise to learn about acceptable business protocol and etiquette in that country. Here's how to get started.

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How To Take 5 Minute Breaks During Work

Danielle16 — Tue, 20 Dec 2005 10:45:00 -0600

Cool your fingertips with a chilled can of soda, then place them on your eyelids. Using slight pressure gently roll your fingers outwards in a circular motion. This relaxes your eyes if you've been staring at your computer for a long time.

Lean back on your chair and stretch every muscle you can - down to your little toe muscles. Stretching may prevent back pain and muscle ache.

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