Basic principles and rules of business etiquette

If you want to look great in a business environment, then you need to know the basic rules and principles of business etiquette. Knowing the art of communication will increase your reputation in the eyes of your partners, help you successfully close deals, and therefore, bring in more income.

In addition, at the level of office workers, the basics of office etiquette should be known to everyone, since employees are the face of your organization and are responsible for the image of the company as a whole.

All business etiquette rules are based on the following principles:

• Common sense. Any business is built on the achievement of a common goal by a community of people. These goals must be achieved by exclusively reasonable methods;
• Ethics. Business etiquette in no way goes against the generally accepted moral and moral concepts;
• Freedom. In the business environment, there is often a clash of interests of both opponents and partners. This principle says about tolerance and tolerance to manifestations of character, culture, nationality of participants in business relations;
• Convenience. Participating in official relations, a person should feel as comfortable as possible. Business meetings, negotiations, dress code, etc. should be organized in the most convenient way possible for all its participants;
• Expediency. All rules and norms of business etiquette serve to achieve common goals;
• economy. It is not worth spending a lot of money on maintaining etiquette. Any inappropriate spending is a deduction from the income of either the organization or its employee;
• Conservatism. Regarding business etiquette, it is better to stick to the old rules of etiquette, the novelty you introduced may be misunderstood. Still, the roots of business etiquette come from state, military and secular etiquette, which have a long history;
• Ease. Enforcement of the norms of business etiquette should occur naturally, unobtrusively and easily.

Among the modern rules of business ethics include the following rules:

• Reasonable selfishness. Any business person is obliged to pursue his goals, but not to forget about the opponent. Listen carefully to the interlocutor and reasonably defend your point of view if there are disagreements.
• Punctuality. “Accuracy is the courtesy of kings,” says folk wisdom. A business person must be timely in everything - in negotiations, in the deadlines for the delivery of projects. A person who is constantly late gradually loses confidence in himself. Value your time and others, remember, time is money.
• Kindness and positive attitude. The success of a company largely depends on its face. And its face is the workers. Welcoming and friendly employees are a big plus for the image of the organization.
• Confidentiality. Official secrets of the organization or the secrets of the transaction are not subject to disclosure. Official secrets are treated as personal.
• Predictability and Appropriateness of Behavior. To avoid unpleasant embarrassments, all actions in the business environment are clearly regulated.For example, when meeting, the following order is applied: greeting (handshake) - introduction - exchange of business cards (and you must definitely look into the business card, only then put it in your pocket). Your predictable and balanced behavior is of great importance to others.
• The "genderless community" rule. In business, etiquette applies not only to men, but also to women. Secular etiquette is no longer applied to a business woman, where women are allowed more than men. There are no gender differences at work. For example, a woman at a meeting should confidently shake hands with a partner.

• Clear organization of the workspace. A table littered with a pile of papers, dust and debris in the office will make a negative impression of you as a partner. Therefore, keep your workplace clean and tidy.
• status differences. Usually in companies all employees are divided into classes, and the management is higher than the subordinates. Therefore, the leaders in the organization have a more privileged position.
• Efficiency. Business relationships always involve the efficient allocation of resources, and good business etiquette should help improve organizational performance.
• Appearance. Follow the office dress code. Remember, they are greeted by clothes, so if you look elegant, stylish and presentable, then your confidence in you will increase significantly.
• Literacy. Your speech, written and oral, business documents should not contain any errors. Otherwise, illiteracy will stain your image.
• Correct gesture. Body language can sometimes tell us more than the conversation itself. Avoid closed postures that indicate secretiveness, hostility, or irritability.A straight back, a confident look and clear movements will distinguish you in society.

A modern business person must not only fulfill all the requirements of business etiquette, but also understand their essence, why they should be observed and why they are so necessary in business communication.

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