OBJECTIVES

Copyright ©2011 by Pearson Education, Inc.publishing as Pearson [imprint]Professionalism: Skills for Workplace Success, 2/e

Lydia E. Anderson • Sandra B. Bolt

ETIQUETTE/DRESS

Chapter 6



OBJECTIVES1. Describe and discuss the importance of

professional behavior in your career2. State the impact dress can have on others’

perception of you3. Demonstrate a professional and correct introduction

and handshake4. Demonstrate appropriate professional behavior in

business dining situations5. Recognize and apply the appropriate use of

technology in business/social situations6. Utilize professional etiquette in appropriate business

situations



EXECUTIVE PRESENCE• Executive presence: having the

attitude of an executive• This shows you have knowledge

about basic workplace behavior• Be prepared for the social

experiences you will face in the workplace



INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT

• Appearance: how you look• The majority of first impressions are

made through your visual appearance• Appearance has an impact on how

you perform at work• Think of your appearance as a frame;

it is there only to highlight the picture



INFLUENCES OF DRESS IN A PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Appropriate Dress• Dress code: a policy that addresses issues

such as required attire, uniforms, and hairstyle• Work wardrobe: clothes primarily worn only

to work and work-related functions– Simple, solid skirts for women– Dark slacks and a matching jacket for men

• Develop a style that conforms to both company policy and your taste



TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE• Shower daily and use deodorant• Use lotions, cologne, or perfume sparingly • Clothes should be clean and ironed, and they

should fit properly• Hair should be clean, well kept, and a natural

color• It is not acceptable to wear suggestive clothing• Hands and nails should be well-groomed• Jewelry should be kept to a minimum• Shoes should be in good condition



TALK IT OUTYour friend is invited to deliver a speech at the meeting with SaigonTech and HCC’s staff. Give your friend some tips (from head to toe) to have appropriate appearance.



JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS

• Body piercings and body rings/jewelry may be offensive to some individuals

• It is difficult to hide a tattoo• Consider the long-term consequences if you

are thinking about getting a tattoo• Nose rings, lip rings, and/or tongue rings

should not be worn in a professional setting• More than two earrings worn on each ear is

considered unprofessional



CASUAL WORKDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

• Casual workdays: days when companies relax their dress code

• Still dress appropriately for work• More formal attire may be required for

special work-related functions (e.g. customer service)

• Avoid shirts with sayings or graphics that may offend others



TALK IT OUTIdentify people in class who are wearing something appropriate for a casual workday



HANDSHAKES • A good handshake conveys

confidence1. Make eye contact and smile2. Extend your right hand3. Meet at the web; 4. Grip the other person’s hand5. Gently squeeze and shake hands



HANDSHAKES Do not squeeze too firmly Shake the entire hand, not just the

fingers Do not place your hand on top of the

other person’s hand or pat the hand If your palms are sweaty, discretely

wipe your palm on the side of your hip prior to shaking



DININGDining Etiquette

• Place your napkin on your lap; if you need to leave the table, place your napkin to the side of your plate

• As courses are served, start with the outside utensil and work in, toward the plate; the utensils set at the top of the plate are for your dessert

• With beverages, offer and serve others at your table prior to serving yourself

• Do not order alcohol unless others at your table first order an alcoholic beverage; abstaining from alcohol is the most desired behavior



4. DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

• Do not order anything expensive or messy• Offer bread to others at your table before

taking a piece for yourself• Offer the last piece of bread or appetizer to

others before taking it• Begin eating only when everyone at your

table has been served; if everyone receives their meal except you, give others at your table permission to begin eating without you



• Do not eat your meal with your fingers unless your main course can be eaten without utensils

• If you accidentally burp or slurp, immediately apologize and say “excuse me”

• When done eating, place your knife and fork together with the blade facing in and the tines up; when you are resting and do not want the server to take your plate, place tines facing down

• It is inappropriate to use a mobile device while dining; if you must take a call, excuse yourself from the table

4. DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)



DININGDining Etiquette (cont.)

• R.S.V.P. means “please respond”– Send a reply, whether you are accepting the

invitation or sending your regrets• When attending a social functional with other

professionals, remember:– Refrain or limit the consumption of alcohol– Only serve yourself a small plate of hors

d’oeuvres and move away from the food table– Hold your hors d’oeuvres in your left hand,

leaving your right hand free to shake hands and greet others

– Do not talk with food in your mouth



TALK IT OUTShare common dining and social situations that make you uncomfortable and identify how best to deal with these situations



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKMobile Communication Devices • Turn off or silence your device when

attending a meeting• If you are anticipating an emergency call,

place on vibrate• Do not use devices while dining or while

attending meetings & performances• Do not take or make a text or call in front

of others; instead, excuse yourself and step away for privacy



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKPhone Etiquette

• Communicate properly through the words you choose, tone of voice, pitch of voice, and rate of speech

• Convey a positive, friendly attitude• Speak clearly and slowly• Phone calls are for brief interactions



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKPhone Etiquette-Speakerphones

• Speakerphones are useful communication tools

• Should only be used for conference calls when other participants are in the same room or when you require a hands-free device

• Only use in a private room where call will not be distracting to others

• Make introductions to all included in call• Avoid distracting noises



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKPhone Etiquette – Taking a Call

• When answering a call, answer by the second ring

• When others are present, let call go into voice mail

• If you are expecting a call and others are present, inform those present that you will need to take the call

• Politely tell individuals when they will be placed on hold



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKPhone Etiquette-Messages

• Keep phone messages brief• State your name, the purpose of the call,

and your return phone number• Speak slowly and clearly• Repeat your name and return number at

the end of your message• Promptly return phone messages• Keep your voicemail greetings

professional



TECHNOLOGY AT WORKE-mail and Computer Usage

• Use only for business purposes• Emoticons are inappropriate at work • Do not forward non-work-related messages• Check spelling & grammar before sending a

response• Respond to messages requesting a reply• Include the business subject in the subject

line to let the receiver know it is not junk e-mail or a virus

• Proofread and think about a message before pressing reply to ensure proper interpretation



BUSINESS ETIQUETTETerms

• Etiquette: a standard of social behavior as seen by society

• Courtesy: exercising manners, respect, and consideration toward others

• Respect: holding someone in high regard; putting others’ needs before your own needs



BUSINESS ETIQUETTEPlease and Thank You

• These are extremely powerful words that can create power for you at work

• When someone does something nice for you, say “thank you”

• Make it a habit to write a thank-you note when someone does something for you



BUSINESS ETIQUETTEDemeanor

• Have a positive attitude• Make eye contact and smile• Make introductions when necessary

– Introduce the least important person to the most important person first

• Keep appointments on time• Be kind and polite• Do not ignore an appointment; if you

must cancel, apologize



TALK IT OUTDiscuss ways you can be courteous and respectful in class



OTHER ETIQUETTE BASICS• Knock before entering an office • Put others first—allow others to go first• No Interrupting—rude behavior• Apologize—everyone makes mistakes• Avoid dominating a conversation—the

key is listening• Do not swear in the workplace

Documents

OBJECTIVES