Other Skills

Few ground rules on insights into how to bring some consideration, grace and style back into your work life.

Speaking: Use well-modulated tones when you speak in the office and over the phone. Raising your voice in haste, frustration, or anger is always inappropriate. It doesn't foster clear communication and leaves all parties concerned with an "emotional residue" that will interfere with getting work done.

Work Attire: Dress as those in your work group dress. If your job requires you to interact with the public, you will probably be required to dress more formally. If you wish to climb the corporate ladder, look at the people in positions you want and dress as they do. Avoid clothing extremes, revealing clothing, and evening or party wear in the workplace.

Personal Life at Work: Everyone makes friends at work and there is a fine line that is easy to cross when co-workers become friends. Remember to conduct your personal   life outside the workplace and you won't go wrong. Use moderation in your exchanges with work friends so you don't spend too much time socializing. If it is necessary to discuss personal issues or conduct urgent personal business of any sort in your workplace, be brief and discreet, so you don't distract, disturb or offend those with whom you work. Keep casual talk to a minimum.

Interaction with Co-Workers: Don't interrupt your work mates. Schedule times to meet whenever possible to go over mutual work. The occasional quick question is unavoidable, but don't let spontaneity rule you and ruin everyone else's schedule and concentration. Open cubicles already remove most of your co-worker’s privacy, so respect their silence.

Avoid roaming the floor and disturbing others at work when you are less busy. If you are interrupted or if a co-worker is making too much noise in an adjacent area, calmly and respectfully inform him that you need silence. You can be polite and firm at the same time. And always treat your co- workers with consideration and respect in all exchanges.

Your Workspace: Maintain a high standard of neatness and professional decorum in your personal work area. Bringing personal items into that area is your decision, but be aware that what you display is a direct reflection of who you are and how you wish to be perceived. Think about it first! And think twice about displaying controversial, religious, political or extremely personal items in your private work area. And, while it shouldn't have to be said, we must never take things from other people's workspace and return anything you borrow with haste. It is extremely rude to carry on your business to the detriment of everyone around you.

Sharing the Environment: Take care in shared areas. Don't leave your clutter in a conference room after a meeting. If you have nervous habits, break them. Don't twitch, jiggle your leg, tap pencils or other items on the table and so on. Never engage in personal grooming in your cube or in meetings. Comb hair, put on make-up, and engage in all personal grooming in the restroom or at home. Don't smoke, chew gum, play with your face, hands or other body parts, or absentmindedly snack, whistle or sing in a shared workplace. When you eat snacks, breakfast, or lunch in your cubicle, be considerate of those around you; try to select foods that do not have strong or unpleasant aromas.

Group Politics: Don't gossip about or discuss other employees or their performance in any way in their absence. And if you have something you absolutely must say, say it to that person and in private. Avoid bringing a bad mood into your workplace. And never abuse others when you have a bad day. Learn how to be a "team player" and how to take action to make the changes you think are important. If you find this is impossible in your job and that you are distressed by your inability to affect change, maybe it's time to find a job where you can make changes. But don't destroy your current work environment with your unhappiness.

Courtesy towards Colleagues

Greet everyone you meet cheerfully and with a smile on your way into the office.

Good bosses, employees and colleagues don't forget their manners. Remember 'please' and 'thank you'.

Always show your appreciation with a smile.

Small talk and light chitter chatter at work is essential; it expresses friendliness without demanding attention. Whether you talk about the traffic or the weather, the vital message is that you are all part of the same team.

Be polite to hired help like peons, drivers, delivery boys etc.

Do not talk loudly when you talk over the phone or to your colleagues. Talk in a soft and clear voice.

Take instructions with grace and give instructions gracefully.

Always be considerate. The last person to leave the office should not have to switch off all the lights, air conditioners and computers. For example, when a photocopier runs out, whoever used the last sheet of paper should refill it.

When you are going to get yourself a cup of tea, coffee or a cold beverage, offer to bring one for your co-workers as well.

Make yourself pleasant to work with

Don't be a whiner who is always complaining and miserable with his/ her lot in life. Do bring a positive attitude to meetings and discussions.

You don't have to be rude or sarcastic to say "no."

Never use words like 'can't' and 'won't', or phrases like 'I'm busy' and 'that's not my job'.

Do not criticize anyone. And if you get criticized, be professional about it. Do not take it personally.

Keep personal conversations down to a minimum and keep out of earshot of others.

It is shabby to look through people's computers, emails or letters and don't ever make the mistake of sneaking into people's personal property like handbags or wallets. Be responsible for your own property and valuables. If you lose your expensive items, everybody else becomes a suspect and nobody likes being one.

Never borrow anything from someone's desk without permission and when you do always return it in good condition.

Do not misuse office property. Keep your workplace orderly. Do not infringe on other people's space.

Be friendly with colleagues of the opposite sex but know where to draw the line. Don't get involved needlessly in any situation which could lead to embarrassment and could potentially damage not only your reputation, but that of the organization as well.

Do not get indulged in office gossip or discuss delicate topics like religion, politics and money.

Do not fidget or make unnecessary sounds which can be distracting to your co-workers.

Maintain stringent standards of personal hygiene. Do clean up after you use the restrooms for the next person.

Use office privileges like sick leave etc thoughtfully so that you don't burden your co-workers with extra work.

Etiquette With Clients:

Business Etiquette is about how to conduct your business with clients - by showing respect and consideration for them at all times Your Clients rely on your expertise and knowledge. Be helpful and above all act with honesty and integrity. Therefore show courtesy and good manners always

Practice business etiquette at every opportunity; on the phone and face to face; with your clients and your suppliers.

Few tips to keep in mind while dealing with clients:

Don’t keep clients waiting while you wind up another task.

Go out personally to ask for a brief deferment.

Apologize if getting late for a meeting and invite them to use the facilities; tea, coffee, magazines or whatever else is on offer while they wait.

Introduce people by name and with dignity.

Make a brief statement of how they fit into the business.

Never be caught without business cards. Hand them over with pride and confidence and don't forget to smile.