Firms Finding Good Manners Are Good Business

“Good manners will open doors that the best education cannot.” – Clarence Thomas

“How to get class and how to use it” is the hot topic in corporations. Manners, poise, and social savvy have become integral to the corporate image as the appropriate outfit. Indeed, many corporations today expect their administrative staff to be as comfortable in the etiquette arena as they are with a computer.

Whether packaged separately or included in multipurpose image-improvement programs, etiquette training is a hot item at annual meetings, sales conferences, public seminars, and in-house workshops. Companies, from small-town banks to multinational giants, are lining up to invest in this new commodity.

Executive etiquette covers all aspects of modern, social, and business etiquette — from making introductions and other communication skills to handshaking and hosting a party; from social correspondence and telephone techniques to travel behavior and dressing appropriately for the occasion.

Most etiquette programs are designed for middle managers, sales representatives, and support personnel, but some even draw top brass and high-salaried professionals, people who presumably have already made it. Not surprising, more men than women attend corporate-sponsored seminars.

The competitive business industry taught professionals that being “polished” pays. A polished professional employee is one of the most cost-effective ways for a business to generate positive public relations.

The New York Times reports, “In board rooms, corporate etiquette has become increasingly more important for the young executive who wants to climb to the top and stay there; corporations are turning in droves to etiquette consultants who are some of the most sought-after specialists in the management-training and professional development field.”

Those who lack social skills are often stalled in their career advancement. They appear awkward, rude, inconsiderate of others, and are as out of fashion as a leisure suit. Many companies will ease such people out of key positions.

There is currently a whole generation of people in responsible positions who were simply never taught good manners at home or in school. Young people have grown up virtually unsocialized, and it works against them as they move up the corporate ladder.

In addition, there have been many social changes in the corporate world over the past twenty years. People of all ages need to learn the new rules of behavior to adapt to these changes.

Do people really notice good manners? You bet they do. Just watch what happens when a teenage boy stands up on a bus and offers his seat to an elderly person.  Everyone notices — and smile in response.

The same principle applies to a business lunch. When a young manager hosts a lunch at a restaurant and does it graciously and well, everyone notices and is impressed. They know when it’s being done right, even if they can’t pinpoint what the manager is actually doing.

Unlike social manners, business manners take into account the pyramid of authority and efficiency on the job. It is not necessary, for example, to stand and shake hands every time someone enters your office. It is disruptive and slows down your work.

On the other hand, an atmosphere in which people treat each other with consideration are obviously one in which a customer enjoys doing business. So no matter how abrasive a client might be, professionals are urged to observe all the formalities.

Companies that hire etiquette consultants to train their up-and-coming employees identify issues and behaviors that are considered bothersome. Specific complaints tend to focus on abusive language, poor restaurant habits, and boorish office manners. Overall, any impudent behavior that offends conservative upper-middle-class sensitivities or crosses the boundaries of common courtesy is considered fair game for the etiquette consultants

Attention to etiquette can help you avoid awkwardness and embarrassment in the work place. It can boost your self-confidence no matter what situation you encounter, enabling you to relax and concentrate on company business.

Well-mannered employees with social skill, who act properly and with assurance, make a positive impact. They are polished, pleasant, and more cooperative to deal with. This is good business that translates into increased profit.