Tip of the Month for March 2005
Elevator Etiquette

Going up or going down?

Typically when I begin my seminars or speaking engagement I ask the participants to write down one of their pet peeves concerning business etiquette. Before they write, I give them a couple of mine to get them started. I always include elevator etiquette. Sometimes I get a puzzled looks, almost as if there isn’t a standard protocol for riding an elevator.

A simple elevator ride to your destination can turn into a multitude of blunders. Here are a few tips to keep in mind the next time you go up or down.

1. Let the person or persons on the elevator exit before you enter. They have the right of way.
2. If you are in a tall building and you are getting off on the 2^nd or 3^rd floor, enter last and stand near the door so you don’t have to move through the other passengers when you reach your desired floor.
3. This is not a time to do your primping. Even if there are mirrors, this is not a time to apply lipstick, fix your hair or groom.
4. Do not talk on a cellular phone. In such small quarters, this is a disturbance, and in most cases you will end up losing the other person due to a weak signal.
5. If you are closest to the floor buttons, offer to push them for others.
6. In such a small space, it is sometimes difficult to maintain personal space. This can lead to tension with those who require a large personal space. Be mindful of this even if it can’t be helped. In a crowded elevator remain still, and give the person next to you ample room. Sometimes just the gesture will alleviate the tension.
7. Remember to say “excuse me” and “thank you” to other riders as they accommodate your movement.
8. I tell my clients, business etiquette is not gender specific and remind the females not to be alarmed if a male counterpart or colleague does not allow you to enter first or exit first. However, if you are a male and wish to make a savvy move, always allow the female to enter first and motion for the door to stay open when she exits. This also applies to the elderly or disabled. It’s a courtesy and safety precaution.

Don’t underestimate the power of such behavior. If you are in an office building, you are being watched by other professionals. Behaving correctly on an elevator not only speaks volume for you as an individual but also as a representative of your company.

Speaking of shared space, here are a few tips on Cubicle Etiquette.

Although this is not a new concept it is rarely addressed by Human Resources or outlined in an Employee Handbook. This really falls under office decorum.

1. When visiting a co-workers cubicle, treat this visit as if it were a closed office. Never barge in as if it were an open invitation. If your colleague is busy, ask when they are available to visit. Even if this is the person next to you, be a respectful neighbor.
2. Don’t peer at their desk, read their paperwork, or their computer screen. Respect their personal space.
3. Never use a speaker phone when working in a cubicle. This seems obvious, but it is surprising how often this comes up in my seminars. If there is a phone call that needs privacy, use a conference room to have those discussions. If this is a personal call step outside to use your cellular phone.
4. Keeping your work area neat is a reflection of you. This is an open house and often times, clients may be walking by.
5. Keep your voice level low when talking on the phone. The equipment today allows for fine tuning your voice, so you do not need to shout through the receiver.

Break Room Hazards

If you are not in a situation where you can decompress outside the office and the break room is your only escape for lunch or from the pressures of the day, remember that this is most likely the case for your co-workers. A break room should be a peaceful place and a comfortable safe environment. Here are a few tips to ensure this haven is a comforting and relaxing place.

1. Do not eat food that does not belong to you. This happens more often than one would think. Just because something might be sitting in the fridge for more than two days, does not give you the liberty to eat or drink it.
2. As my mother always said, “leave it cleaner than you received it, and you will be invited back.” It’s not fair to leave a mess for the next person. It’s all about creating a comfortable environment that feels good and cleanliness is a good place to start. Everyone should participate in maintaining the break room.
3. Remember to remove food that has been sitting for a long period of time. Don’t expect others to discard food in which you have no interest.
4. Be considerate of space. Don’t bring your six course meal and expect a tier for each in the refrigerator.
5. If you happen to drink the last cup of coffee, make more. If you happen to empty the water jug, replace it with a new one.
6. Keep a positive climate. This is not an opportunity to bad mouth or point fingers at other co-workers. This is not a gossip center; it’s a place for relaxation and escape. I hope your life is more interesting than to discuss work or others when you are trying to unwind. Although, there is never a good time or place for this behavior, it is definitely inappropriate in the break room.
7. If you are not getting along with another co-worker the break room is a great place to learn more about this person. You might be surprised, as having more insight into a person’s life can help you better tolerate idiosyncrasies.

Never underestimate the importance of your behavior in these common areas. How you behave in close quarters can tell a lot about a person. Letting your guard down and discarding your manners can ruin the reputation of the most savvy business man or woman.

© 2005 Amy L. Palec