Workplace manners do matter!
Many studies have shown that rudeness in the workplace creates tension and stress in all kinds of office settings. Business etiquette encompasses much more than saying “please,” “thank you,” “hello,” and “goodbye” to co-workers, though these common courtesies help.
Test your knowledge of etiquette. How would you handle these situations? I’m willing to bet you could use a refresher course in basic business manners. Do your manners measure up? Take this quiz and find out.
1. The following is an apt introduction: “Mrs. Boss, I would like you to meet our client, Mr. Smith.” (True or false)
False. Mention the name of the person of greatest authority or importance first. Gender or age is not the deciding factor. When a client is involved, he or she should be mentioned first. A proper business introduction should mention the first and last name: “Bill Smith…”
2. If someone forgets to introduce you, it’s appropriate to continue the conversation without saying anything. (True or false)
False. You should say something like, “My name is _______, I don’t think we’ve ever met.” Or, “I am __________, Joe’s wife, and are you?”
3. If YOU forget someone’s name, don’t worry. Keep talking. (True or false)
False. It’s okay to admit that you can’t remember. Say something like, “Your face looks familiar, please help me with your name.” Or, “My mind went blank, is your name?” Or say, “I’m Marjorie Brody”; then the other person will usually say her name.
4. When shaking hands, a man should wait for a woman to extend her hand. (True or false)
False. With an increased number of women in the workforce, business etiquette has become gender neutral. Women do not have to hesitate to offer their hands first.
5. Who goes through the revolving door first?
has. Host
b. Visitor
has. Host. That allows you to be ready on the other side to guide the guest to where they are to meet.
6. It’s okay to have private conversations in office bathrooms, elevators, and other public spaces. (True or false)
False. The saying “Walls have ears” is true. You never know who might be listening in on intimate details of your life or business transaction/conversation. And, at best, it’s inconsiderate that you’re trespassing on these public areas by making noise.
7. You should always carry a drink in your left hand at a cocktail party. (True or false)
TRUE. This will allow you to properly greet someone with a handshake without having to juggle your drink.
8. What percentage of the message you communicate to someone is transmitted through your visual appearance?
has. 30%
b. 55%
against 75%
b. 55% Remember, your package does count; that means your wardrobe must fit and be appropriate for the setting, and it must be well-groomed. Also pay attention to your body language and don’t forget to smile!
9. When two businessmen communicate, the average visual distance is:
has. 1 1/2 feet
b. 3 feet
against 7 feet
b. 3 feet Any closer and you could be invading his personal space. Any further and you’d have to scream. This distance will vary depending on the country. It is important to understand cultural differences before doing business in foreign countries.
10. It’s appropriate to tell a business associate that your fly is open. (True or false)
TRUE. Otherwise, he’ll be embarrassed when he finds out. Why let others see him in this state, if you can take him to the side and subtly tell him to zip up? Imagine how you would feel if no one told you!
11. It’s appropriate for women to wear sexy clothes to a company cocktail party. (True or false)
False. The key word here is “company”. This is still a business event, so women should dress appropriately and professionally.
12. Women should wear stockings and men should wear socks for “business casual” attire. (True or false)
TRUE. Bare feet are almost NEVER acceptable in any work related setting. The only exception: if your company retreat or business trip is at a beach or a pool and everyone else is wearing flip-flops or sandals. “Business casual” does not mean “dress casual”.
13. Your water and wine cups are placed on the right side of your surroundings. (True or false)
TRUE The water and wine glasses go on the right side on the plate. Remember, glass has five letters, just like the word “correct.”
14. To indicate that you don’t want wine, turn your wine glass upside down. (True or false)
False All you have to do is wave your hand over it when asked or say, “No thanks.” Most waiters or waitresses won’t ask again.
15. Bread should be cut into small pieces with a knife. (True or false)
False Break small pieces by hand to butter them, then eat them.
16. The host, the one who invites, pays for lunch. (True or false)
TRUE Find out your company’s policies BEFORE you invite customers to lunch. Be selective with the restaurant and make sure it is within your budget.
17. You put your napkin on the chair when you finish dinner and get up from the table. (True or false)
False The napkin (cloth or linen) is placed on the table, to the left of the plate at the end of the meal.
18. If you are disconnected, it is the caller’s responsibility to redial. (True or false)
TRUE You initiated the call; you have to redial if something happens to the connection. It doesn’t matter how it happened.
19. When using a speakerphone, you must announce if someone else is present before the conversation begins. (True or false)
TRUE If you must use a speakerphone (something I recommend avoiding unless it’s a group call), it’s rude not to let everyone involved in the conversation know who’s present.
20. If you’re out of the office, it’s important to change your voicemail message. (True or false)
TRUE You should record a greeting that says something like: “Today, April 12, I am out of the office. If you need assistance, please contact _________ at extension 12.” Or say, “I’m leaving today, April 12, but I’ll be back on ___________.”
21. It’s okay to send sensitive information and large attachments in a
Email. (True or false)
False First of all, there is no such thing as private email. Even after you think you’ve deleted a message, any competent IT professional can recover it from your hard drive. And the message also travels to other mail servers during the entire messaging process. Rule of thumb: NEVER send confidential or private information. Second: never send a large attachment. Consider using traditional mail methods (USPS, UPS, FedEx), because the recipient may have trouble downloading the file (taking up too much time or space on your hard drive).
22. Important mail must be answered within:
has. 48 hours
b. 4 days
against a week
has. 48 hours Follow-up is essential in business. More than two days is unprofessional and will likely cost you a client or business.
23. “Dear Sir/Mrs.” should be avoided as a greeting. (True or false)
TRUE It shows that you didn’t take the time to come up with a name and shows no respect for the recipient.
24. Thank you notes must be typed. (True or false)
False A nicely handwritten thank you note works wonders: the recipient feels special and appreciates that you took the time to personalize the note by handwriting it.
25. During a meeting it’s okay to leave your cell phone on in case you’re expecting a call. (True or false)
False It’s rude to your fellow attendees and speakers if your cell phone rings during a meeting. Turn it off or put it on vibrate mode.
26. If you listen to a colleague’s conversation in a cubicle, it’s okay
Comment what you just heard. (True or false)
False. Discretion is advised in this situation. In general, try not to eavesdrop on your cubicle mates. But sometimes you DO hear information. This is the time to pretend you didn’t. Of course, there are always exceptions.
Score:
0-8 correct – Uh-oh! You’re probably one of those people who forgets to fill the copier with paper and steals clips from a coworker’s desk. Tsk tsk. I bet your coworkers don’t think much of you. I also doubt you’ll get that coveted promotion. Buy an etiquette book or consider hiring a trainer to help you hone his professionalism, before it’s too late.
9-17 ok – You occasionally forget which salad fork to use during a business lunch, and you may also forget that sweatpants are not appropriate when the dress code is “business casual.” Still, there is hope for you. Find a role model/mentor and commit to improving your workplace etiquette.
18-26 correct — Not bad. She probably remembered to send a thank you note to the client she met last week. It’s probably also safe to assume that she’ll never forget to call his office if he expects to be late. However, don’t act too snooty around others. The consummate professional never brags, but rather tries to help others improve and work effectively as a team.