Tip of the Month for November 2005
Someone is Watching You

I begin each of my seminars with a short activity: I ask everyone to write down a pet peeve pertaining to the lack of business etiquette. From the answers I have obtained from over 500 professionals, I have compiled the top 30 most common responses and listed them here, starting with those most frequently noted:

  1. Limp or poor handshakes.
  2. Poor eye contact.
  3. Not being introduced to others.
  4. Being interrupted when you are talking.
  5. Talking too much; dominating conversations.
  6. Poor listening.
  7. Using cell phones at inappropriate times or places.
  8. Rude behavior: loud voices, joking, bad language, talking down to people.
  9. Not returning phone calls.
  10. Saying they will call you and they don’t.
  11. Having someone look over your shoulder while they are speaking to you.
  12. Finishing sentences or thoughts for you.
  13. Poor grammar.
  14. Overpowering or controlling personalities.
  15. Barging into your office or cubicle regardless of how busy you are or whether you are on the phone.
  16. Too much perfume or aftershave.
  17. Cracking or chewing gum loudly.
  18. Forgetting to say “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and most of all “I’m sorry.”
  19. Playing favorites.
  20. Poor table manners.
  21. Blocking traffic in hallways.
  22. Poor listening; not paying attention.
  23. Not complying with the dress code.
  24. Talking on the phone while typing on the computer.
  25. Entering an office or cubicle uninvited.
  26. Not returning emails.
  27. Talking too loudly in open office settings.
  28. Overuse of jokes.
  29. Abusing personal influence.
  30. Talking about politics or religion.

 

Did you notice anything here that you might be guilty of?

 

Professionals who act appropriately and behave in a manner that is pleasing to others advance in their careers. Those who don’t, don’t.

 

Think back: you might recall a person who was a mentor for you in your life, someone who led by example and motivated you to behave in a manner that made you more successful. Now look forward: who’s watching you?

 

Behave appropriately.

 

You are being watched.

 

Mind Your Manners specializes in seminars and consulting services in business etiquette and international protocol. For more information, please contact Amy Palec at (262) 376-0515 or visit her web site www.amypalec.com.

© 2005 Amy L. Palec