How can you develop professional etiquette?

1 Know your audience

Different situations and cultures may require different levels of formality, tone, and style. Before you write an email, make a phone call, or attend a meeting, consider who you are addressing and what their expectations are. For example, you may use a more casual and friendly language with a coworker you know well, but a more respectful and courteous one with a senior manager or a potential client. You may also need to adapt your etiquette to the norms and customs of different countries or regions, especially if you work in a global or diverse context.

2 Be respectful and polite

One of the basic principles of professional etiquette is to treat others with respect and politeness, regardless of their position, background, or opinion. This means using appropriate greetings and salutations, addressing people by their preferred names and titles, saying please and thank you, and apologizing when necessary. It also means avoiding rude or offensive language, gestures, or jokes, and respecting the privacy and boundaries of others. Being respectful and polite can help you build rapport, trust, and goodwill with your work contacts.

3 Communicate clearly and concisely

Another key aspect of professional etiquette is to communicate clearly and concisely, whether it is verbally or in writing. This means using simple and direct language, avoiding jargon or slang, and checking your grammar and spelling. It also means being attentive and responsive, listening actively, asking relevant questions, and providing feedback. Additionally, it means following the rules and conventions of different communication channels, such as email, phone, video call, or social media. For example, you may use a clear and informative subject line for an email, a polite and brief introduction for a phone call, and a formal and professional attire for a video call.

4 Be punctual and reliable

Being punctual and reliable is another essential element of professional etiquette, as it shows that you value your time and the time of others. It also demonstrates your commitment, responsibility, and respect for your work. To be punctual and reliable, you should plan ahead, set realistic deadlines, and prioritize your tasks. You should also inform others of your availability, confirm your appointments, and notify them of any changes or delays. If you are running late or unable to meet a deadline, you should apologize sincerely and offer a reasonable explanation and a solution.

5 Be positive and constructive

Being positive and constructive is another important factor of professional etiquette, as it can influence your mood, your performance, and your relationships. It can also create a more pleasant and productive work environment. To be positive and constructive, you should focus on the strengths and opportunities, rather than the weaknesses and threats. You should also express appreciation and recognition, rather than criticism and complaints. Moreover, you should offer support and assistance, rather than competition and conflict. If you encounter a problem or a disagreement, you should approach it with a solution-oriented and collaborative mindset, rather than a blame-oriented and confrontational one.

6 Keep learning and improving

Professional etiquette is not a fixed or static set of rules, but a dynamic and evolving one. It can change depending on the context, the culture, and the trends. Therefore, you should keep learning and improving your etiquette skills, by seeking feedback, observing best practices, and taking courses or workshops. You should also be open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences, and be willing to adapt and adjust your etiquette accordingly. By doing so, you can enhance your professional image, your career development, and your work satisfaction.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?