Enter the environment of executive etiquette

Gaston de ROSAYRO

Large firms hire some of the smartest, most capable people. An impressive university degree may come in handy as a door opener for any young executive. Yet academic qualifications are not everything. You may have graduated with the highest honours but when at large in society and the corporate world your lack of polished accomplishment stands out like a sore thumb.

All high-fliers must possess far more than basic academic and technical knowledge learned at the groves of academe. Everyone knows that sophisticated corporate leaders are individuals who are aware of the importance of social graces and cultural refinement in their everyday dealings. They have cultivated and developed the value of social etiquette in every sphere of society and are self-assured of making a great impression wherever they are and whatever they do.

Unfortunately the finer and grosser points of protocol are not part of the curriculum in institutions of learning anywhere. Surprising really, because to obtain a degree a student has to display fairly acceptable social skills while being helped in research by a lecturer. So why do not schools and universities teach social etiquette and social skills? It is apparent that most secondary education and university curriculum are ‘book courses.’

Yet, when students graduate, they may be armed and their minds honed with the particular learning disciplines essential for a career. But in any corporate environment what would really matter is how they present themselves and their social skills.

Yes certainly the older generation was brought up under a much stricter regime. Many administrators are concerned that standards of behaviour in today’s generation have slipped below acceptable limits. Everyone should be armed with a code of behaviour and a positive attitude about manners and respect for others. In brief, we all should know about etiquette.

Consider how life would look up for most people if primary and secondary school provided that vanished code of conduct in a disciplined and systematic fashion, by an adult other than a parent and with the use of a textbook to give the code weight and authority. The bitter truth is that we have to make up as best we can for this lack of social refinement.

Never forget that as an executive or a budding managerial prospect you serve as a representative of the company, so it is important they follow proper business etiquette standards. Executives often participate in social events, run company meetings, conduct interviews and work with customers. In each of these settings, the executive must display proper etiquette so that participants take away with them a good impression of the company.

All etiquette demands that you hold yourself answerable for your actions. Whether you action meets with success or failure taking responsibility for it is an expected norm in corporate culture. Accepting responsibility requires graciousness on your part.

Being gracious does not mean pointing fingers at your colleagues or subordinates when plans go awry. Neither does it mean you should crow like a cockerel at daybreak in an effort to draw attention when you feel you have achieved outstanding success. Graciousness considers your response to others.

When things go wrong a good executive will graciously take responsibility by admitting he was wrong and then trying to minimise the damage. There should be no recriminations and no playing the blame game. Make sure you plug the weak points and move on. When your brainchild meets with success you again display grace by attempting to improve on it, and move forward.

Accountability is also a key component to your successful business etiquette inventory. To be accountable is more than being just responsible. You need to have the confidence to put your plans into action without dithering. You may need to go even above and beyond the call of duty.

Business relationships are developed in a variety of settings including lunches, receptions, dinners and fundraisers. The big question is whether you as an executive have the basic social tools so as to avoid falling flat on your face by creating some horrendous faux pas.

It is still deemed courteous in corporate circles to rise from your seat when a senior executive or dignitary or a woman, of any rank, enters a room. In keeping with tradition, most professionals make movements as if they are preparing to stand-up. This permits the official an opening to wave-them-down with a quick hand motion.

When meeting a peer it is critical that you follow proper professional protocol. Wait until they have offered their hand before thrusting your palm in similarity to pointing a gun at him. When shaking hands, you should always use a firm grip. But never squeeze or hold on longer than necessary particularly if it is a dainty feminine hand. Look the person directly in the eye when greeting them.

Similarly when meeting a celebrity or someone of celebrity status you should never offer your hand first and place them in an awkward situation. One of the biggest areas of breaches of professional etiquette is during dining situations, and many major corporations will test job candidates with a meal as an integral part of the job interview. Dining skills have suffered as much as business dress in the past few years. Too much business is conducted over meals to let table manners go by the way side.

In sum, professional manners and etiquette are mostly common-sense, but you must always be conscious that your mannerisms reflect on your personal professionalism and your organisation. Dining skills have suffered as much as business dress in the past few years. Too much business is conducted over meals to let table manners go by the way side.

Most bad manners arise because executives are not paying attention to what they are doing. Drinking too much at business events is surprisingly common. Everyone knows it is a bad idea, but people do it anyway.

Your measure of etiquette should be as important when interacting with co-workers and colleagues as they are when you are dealing with clients. Displaying courtesy and respect to your co-workers has a definite impact on productivity and profitability.

No matter what your business entails , excellence in etiquette is vital to the company culture. You will win over potential clients and keep your current ones by meeting them on a path that has been outlined and understood for generations. Your business will attract and retain the respect and loyalty of those who work with you and for you.

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