Corporate Manner & Professionalism

Bangla

Competency Unit

Corporate Manner & Professionalism

Learning Objective:

1. Professionalism in workplace

2. Manner in Work Place

3. Professionalism

4. Corporate Manner 

Three Reasons Why Professionalism Is Essential in The Workplace

In many organisations, the professional conduct of employees is often not considered a priority. Professionalism includes the behaviour and physical presentation of staff, and is evident in the way they conduct themselves. It is apparent in areas such as verbal communication and how well employees adhere to company policies. Professionalism exists within the workplace, as well as with external stakeholders such as customers and clients. While sometimes overlooked, the professional behaviour of all staff is necessary for the long-term success of a business - regardless of its size. If youre wondering why, read the below three reasons to understand its overall impact.

1. Respect is increased

When professionalism is valued within an organizational culture, the majority of employees will behave in a similar manner. A professional environment establishes respect for not only authoritative figures, but also clients and fellow colleagues. It also helps to limit inappropriate personal conversations, or those which could be considered disrespectful. The level of respect for a customer or business partnership is also evident when an employee continually behaves professionally, despite inappropriate comments from the other party.

2. Business reputation will flourish

A company known for its positive reputation and professionalism is one which will stand the test of time. When it comes to choosing one provider over another for a particular service, the one with most positive feedback is likely to be selected. Employee interactions and relationships with key stakeholders are one of the most important contributors to this positive brand association.

3. Conflict is minimized

In a professional business environment, employees will be less likely to resort to conflict to solve an issue. Professionalism fosters a respectful culture, which should see conflicts be handled in the correct way. Professional employees tend to understand boundaries more clearly, and solve any minor issues in an efficient and respectful approach. Professional behaviour also helps staff avoid offending clients when they have a different perspective, as well as offending those from different cultures or backgrounds.

↬What do you think?

Is professionalism something that your workplace values? In my experience, the professional conduct of both managers and colleagues can significantly impact the overall morale within the workplace. I’d love to learn of your experiences though, so please comment below and share your views

How to Conduct Yourself on the Job

Professionalism is defined as an individual's conduct at work. In spite of the word's root, this quality is not restricted to what we describe as "the professions," which are typically careers that require a lot of education and have high earnings associated with them. Many cashiers, maintenance workers, and waitresses can demonstrate a high level of this trait, although these occupations require minimal training and employees have modest earnings. An equal number of doctors, lawyers, and engineers—often called professionals—can display very little.

Make It a Priority to Be on Time

When you arrive late for work or meetings, it gives your boss and co-workers the impression you don't care about your job and, if it affects them, it's like saying you don't value their time. Pay attention to the clock. Set alarms if you have to. Show up at least a few minutes before you are supposed to start work and return from your breaks on time.

Don't Be a Grump

Leave your bad mood at the door when you come to work. We all have days when we aren't feeling our best. Remember not to take it out on your boss, your co-workers, and especially your customers. If work is the thing that is causing your bad mood, it may be time to think about quitting your job. If that isn't a good option for you right now, find a way to make the best of the situation until it is.

Dress Appropriately

Whether you have to dress up for work or you can wear more casual clothes, your appearance should always be neat and clean. A wrinkled suit looks no better than a ripped pair of jeans does. Choose the type of clothing your employer requires. If there isn't a dress code, pick attire that is the norm for your place of employment. Save flip-flops, shorts, and tank tops for the weekends, along with clothes that are better suited for a night out at a club.

Watch Your Mouth

Swearing, cursing, or cussing—whatever you call it—has no place in most workplaces. Unless you know it is okay in yours, refrain from using foul language, particularly if those who you might offend are present. Here's a good rule of thumb to follow: If you wouldn't say it to your grandmother, don't say it at work.

Offer Assistance to Your Colleagues

A true professional is willing to help his or her co-workers when they are overburdened or facing a challenge at work. He or she isn't afraid to share knowledge, opinions, or simply an extra pair of hands. One person's success reflects well on everyone in his or her workplace. It is important not to be too pushy, however. If your colleague rejects your offer, don't push it. He or she may prefer to work alone.

Don't Gossip

While you may be tempted to tell your cubicle neighbors what you heard about Suzy or Sam down in accounting, gossiping makes you look like a middle school student. If you know something you simply must share, tell someone who has nothing to do with your workplace, like your sister, mother, or best friend.

Try to Stay Positive

Negativity is contagious. If you complain incessantly about your workplace, it will bring others down. Your boss certainly will not appreciate a drop in morale among his or her employees. That does not mean you shouldn't speak up about things you think are wrong. If you see something that should be fixed, give your boss feedback along with a plan for how to make improvements. If you are just complaining for no reason, stop.

Don't Hide From Your Mistakes

As hard as it may be to do, own your mistakes and then do your best to correct them. Make sure you don't make the same one twice. Never blame others for your errors, even if they deserve it. Instead, set an example so that those who share responsibility for the mistake can step forward and admit their part.

Always Fight Fair

You will inevitably have occasional disagreements with your co-workers or even your boss. You may think that something should be done one way while someone else will believe another way is better. Don't let yourself get angry. It doesn't matter how upset you are or how strongly you believe you are right, screaming in the workplace isn't allowed, nor is name calling or door slamming. Calmly explain your opinion and be ready to walk away if you cannot sway the other person or if he or she begins to lose control. Of course, you should always avoid physical contact.

Don't Lie

Dishonesty always makes you look bad, whether it's lying on your resume or calling in sick when you aren't. A true professional is always upfront. If you are unqualified for a job, you have two choices. Don't apply for it at all or submit an application that reflects your real skills. If you choose the second option, explain how your other strengths compensate for the missing requirement. As for lying about being sick, if you need a day off, take a personal or vacation day.

Don't Air Your Dirty Laundry

While confiding in a close friend at work is usually okay, sharing too much information with the entire office is not. Be judicious about whom you talk to, particularly when it comes to discussing problems you are having with your spouse or other family members. If you do decide to share something personal with your co-workers, don't do it where customers and clients might overhear you.

The Worst Things to Wear in the Workplace

Appearance matters. It's not everything, and it certainly isn't as important as our performance at work, but people do judge us based on how we look. Don't become known as the guy who looks like he rolled out of the hamper or the woman whose skirts are too short. Get noticed at work for your performance, not your appearance. Here are 7 things you shouldn't wear to work.

i) Don't Wear Dirty or Wrinkled Clothing

You should always look well put together when you go to work. Your clothes should be clean and unwrinkled. Avoid wearing stained items. Some people even keep a change of clothes in the office in case of a mishap. In addition, your hair and nails should be neat and clean and your shoes must be in good condition. If you look unkempt your boss and coworkers may perceive you as someone who is careless and doesn't pay much attention to detail.

ii) Don't Wear Revealing Clothing

Plunging necklines, midriff revealing crop tops, sheer fabrics and mini skirts and dresses don't belong in the workplace. A man's unbuttoned shirt shouldn't show off his chest hair. When you wear revealing attire people may think you are less than professional. You can debate the fairness of that—and you may not be wrong—but that, unfortunately, won't change people's perceptions.

iii) Don't Wear Clothing That Is Too Casual 

If you think having to dress up for work every day is a pain, try working someplace where casual attire is allowed. While wearing a business suit isn't what you'd call comfortable, at least there is no mistaking what the boss expects of you. When casual attire is allowed you have to figure out exactly what that means. How casual is too casual? Generally speaking—and this varies by industry—t-shirts and shorts are definitely out. Jeans may also be out, but some offices allow them especially if they are colored dark blue or black denim. Ripped clothing, while trendy, doesn't belong in the office. Neither do flip flops—definitely NO FLIP FLOPS!

iv) Don't Wear T-Shirts With Offensive Messages

You probably shouldn't wear a t-shirt to work anyway, but if you work somewhere where it is allowed, you should never wear one with something offensive printed on it. So if you have a shirt that has a message, either in words or depicted graphically, that insults people or in some other way offends, wear it elsewhere.

v) Don't Wear Clothes That Are Too Flashy

If you wear an outfit that looks like it's better suited for a night out at a club, it may look like that's how you spent the previous evening ... and never made it home. Stay away from glittery attire unless the holiday party is that evening. Save your glitzy finery for social events.

vi) Don't Wear Clothes That Make It Difficult to Work

Don't wear any article of clothing that makes it hard to do your job. Those beautiful four-inch stilettos may look great on your feet but if takes you too long to get from your desk to the copy machine because they're too hard to walk in, save them for another occasion. Likewise, avoid wearing overly tight skirts or dresses. Aside from being a distraction to your coworkers, you don't want it to seem like being fashionable is more important than being productive.

vii) Don't Wear Too Much Aftershave or Perfume

Go light on the perfume or aftershave. You don't want people to be able to smell you before they can see you. Additionally, many people are very sensitive to fragrance. If you work with someone who has a severe reaction to it, you may want to refrain from wearing aftershave or perfume altogether

4. Corporate Manner

Manners

Classes: 

• Introduction
• Table Manners
• Telephone Manners
• Professional Manners
• Conversation
• Social Skills
• Conclusion

Introduction: The Importance of Manners

Manners are something used every day to make a good impression on others and to feel good about oneself. No matter where you are - at home, work, or with friends - practicing good manners is important.

Good manners are more than opening doors and writing thank you notes. While opening doors for others and writing notes is nice, true courtesy goes deeper. Being polite and courteous means considering how others are feeling.

If you practice good manners, you are showing those around you that you are considerate of their feelings and respectful. You are also setting standards for others' behavior and encouraging them to treat you with similar respect.

Every culture and individual may have different rules or feelings about what is polite or is not polite. The goal of this course is to review some of the more basic and common rules of polite behavior in our society.

These rules may differ from person to person or based on situation, but there is one rule of good manners (and life, in general) that is always easy to follow - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Table Manners

Whether you're eating at a fancy restaurant, in the cafeteria, or at home with friends and families, good table manners make for a more pleasant meal. While you may not need to worry about confusing your salad fork with your desert fork when dining with friends, some basic table manners should never be forgotten. Here are some easy-to-follow Do's and Don'ts:

Table Manner DO'S

1.  Sit properly (and straight) in your chair
2.  Talk about pleasant things
3.  Place your napkin on your lap
4.  Wait until everyone is seated before starting to eat
5.  Watch others, or ask, if you're not sure how to eat something
6.  Ask someone to pass the food, rather than reach across the table
7.  Chew with your mouth closed
8.  Don't talk with your mouth full
9.  Use a knife and fork to cut your meat
10.  Say "excuse me" or "I'm sorry" if you burp
11.  Say "no thank you" if you don't want a certain dish or are full
12.  Say "may I please be excused" before leaving the table

Table Manner DON'TS

1.  Don't talk about gross things
2.  Don't ask for seconds before others have had firsts
3.  Don't take more than your fair share
4.  Don't overload your fork or plate
5.  Don't gobble your food
6.  Don't chew with your mouth open
7.  Don't talk with your mouth full
8.  Don't play at the table
9.  Don't hum or sing at the table
10.  Don't tip your chair or lean on the table
11.  Don't eat with or lick your fingers
12.  Don't push your plate away when you're finished

Telephone Manners

Good phone manners are important both at work and at home. When you are on the phone with someone, your only interaction is verbal, so saying the right things is important to make the right impression.

If you are answering the phone at a job, your employer may have a specific way they would like you to answer the phone. If they haven't told you, take the initiative and ask - it will show that you care about your performance and how your company is perceived.

If your company doesn't have any standards for telephone procedures, follow the same standards that you would if you were answering the phone at home or at a friend's. Speak clearly, be polite, and offer to take a message or help out if you are answering the phone for someone else.

Here are some common practices that will make you sound polite, whether talking on the phone to a friend, customer, potential employer, or complete stranger.

Answering the Phone

Some people like to let people know who they've reached as soon as they pick up the phone. Companies and some individuals may answer the phone "You've reached the John Smith Corporation" or "Hello, this is John Smith." When in doubt, a simple "Hello" or "Hello, this is John" will do. Unless someone (such as an employer) asks you to answer the phone in a particular way, choose a style that's comfortable for you and polite to others. Just avoid answering the phone in a way that may make the person on the other end feel uncomfortable or put on the spot (such as, "What?" or "Who is this?")

Taking Messages

If you answer someone else's phone or answer for someone who is not around, you should always offer to take a message. Again, this can be as simple as saying "I'm sorry, John's stepped out. May I take a message?" or "I'm sorry, he's busy at the moment. May I take your name and number and have him call you back?"

If the person who is calling asks you to help out instead and you don't feel comfortable or don't know the answer to their questions, it is always polite to say, "I'm sorry I don't know but I'd be happy to pass the message on to John." Just remember to pass the message on! If someone leaves a message, be sure to write down their name, phone number, time they called and the message - then be sure to give the message to the person they were calling.

Taking messages does no good if the person they are for never sees them. Set up a system for delivering phone messages. If it's at home, you might decide to put a notepad by the phone and write messages there, or put them on the refrigerator. If it's at work, you may set up a 'message box' or agree to leave messages in a certain place (on the bulletin board, in someone's inbox, etc.)

Interrupting Others

Wait until someone has finished their phone conversation before talking to them. If it's urgent and you need to use the phone or talk to someone who is on the phone, don't pick up the line and start talking. Instead, say "Excuse me, may I talk to you for a second?" or "I'm sorry, but I need to make an urgent call, do you mind if I use the phone?"

The Phone is Your Tool

There are times when the phone calls (or the people on the line) can be too demanding. Being polite doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your own time or drop whatever you are doing. If you are at a job or answering someone else's phone, it is your responsibility to be as polite and helpful as possible, including taking messages. (You shouldn't be answering someone else's phone if you aren't going to take the time to help out.) However, if someone calls you at home or catches you in the middle of something urgent, it is fine to offer to call them back. You can say, for example, "I'm sorry, but we were just about to sit down to dinner, can I call you back after we finish?" or "I'm sorry, but I was just about to run out the door, can I call you when I get back?"

Nowadays, many companies call people at home to try to sell them services; it's fine to tell these people that you aren't interested (it's even fine to ask them not to call you at home anymore!), as long as you do it nicely. Again, a simple "I'm sorry, but I'm not interested" or "I'm sorry but I don't make decisions over the phone; please don't call again" can put an end to some of these calls.

Professional Manners

Having good manners will serve you well, not just around friends and families, but also in a work environment. Many of the things you do to be polite in casual settings are just as polite in work situations, for example, using your telephone manners, saying "please" and "excuse me", shaking hands and introducing yourself when meeting someone new, paying attention to people when they are talking, and appearing neat and clean.

However, work situations often call for an even higher level of manners than those you use in casual situations. For example, jeans and t-shirts may be fine for hanging out with friends or going to the movies, but you may be expected to dress more professionally at work. You may answer the phone with a simple "Hello" at home, but at work, you maybe expected to state your name, the company's name, and offer to help, "This is the Jane Doe Company, John Smith speaking, may I help you?"

For more information on the skills and manners you need for a work environment, visit the Job Readiness course on this Web site.

Conversation Skills

Speech is an important form of communication. Every time you open your mouth, you reveal something about yourself to someone else - not just in what you say, but how you say it, so speak clearly and sincerely. Make yourself heard without shouting, interrupting or talking over others. Say what you think and how you feel, but say it without hurting others' feelings. Some conversation do's and don'ts include:

Conversation DO'S

1.  Look at the person or people you are talking to
2.  If you haven't met before, introduce yourself and ask their name
3.  Use a person's name when talking to them
4.  Ask questions when you don't understand something
5.  Stick to the subject
6.  Say nice things about people and praise those who deserve it
7.  It's fine to disagree, but disagree politely

Conversation DON'TS

1.  Don't fidget, look elsewhere, or wander off while someone else is talking
2.  Don't listen in on conversations you aren't part of
3.  Don't interrupt when someone else is talking
4.  Don't whisper in front of another person
5.  Don't whine, tattletale, brag, or say mean things about others
6.  Don't ask personal questions such as how much things cost or why someone looks or dresses the way they do
7.  Don't point or stare
8.  Don't argue about things that aren't important

Some Magic Words to Being Polite

•  "Thank You"
•  "Please"
•  "May I ... "
•  "Excuse Me"
•  "I'm Sorry"

Social Skills

Secrets

Respecting other people means you also respect their wishes. If someone tells you a secret or asks you to keep something in confidence, you should. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, it's fine to say that you don't feel comfortable keeping secrets -- just be sure to do this before the person shares their secret with you.

There are some very rare exceptions to this rule: if you find out that someone is being hurt or is in danger and they are afraid to tell anyone, you should encourage them not to keep their secret. If that person is too afraid to talk, you may want to ask an expert (such as a doctor, therapist, or policeman) for their advice - you don't have to give away your friend's secret, but they may be able to help.

Body Language

Consider this, someone starts to tell a story and you sigh and roll your eyes -- your body is telling that person that you're not interested in their story and find it (and perhaps them) boring. If, on the other hand, you make eye contact with them while they are talking and nod or smile in response to what they are saying, your body is telling them "I'm paying attention to what you are saying and find your story and you interesting."

How we carry ourselves can send a message just as clearly as what we say. Standing or sitting up straight, appearing confident, looking people in the eye, and having a smile or pleasant expression gives people the impression that you are polite, confident and pleasant. Scowling, crossing your arms, slouching, or staring off into the distance (even if these are just nervous habits) may make people think that you are angry, unapproachable, or disinterested.

Actions can speak as loudly as words, so the next time you're in a social setting, ask yourself what your body language is saying to people. If you are having a hard time judging the message your body is sending, you may want to ask friends or people you know and trust what they think. Or, you may want to get the opinion of someone who doesn't know you as well. The MTSTCIL staff could help you if you want to work on your body language. Call the center nearest you for advice, tips, or even to set up a meeting and practice role-playing and body language in different settings.

Appearance

The first thing people notice about other people is the way they look. And whether we like it or not, how you look makes an impression on people. But you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

If you look neat and clean, people will feel as though you're the kind of person who makes an effort. A nice appearance shows that you value yourself and what other people think of you.

Putting forth a nice appearance doesn't mean you have to spend a lot of money on clothes or accessories. Someone can look slovenly and messy in an expensive suit if they don't brush their hair or clean their clothes. Someone else can appear put together in a old shirt and slacks that have been cleaned and pressed. Showing that you take care over your appearance is more important than what you wear or how expensive your hair cut is.

In addition to taking care over your appearance, it's also important to consider if your appearance is appropriate for the situation. You may look lovely in your party clothes or feel confident in your business suit, but these would look out of place in a more casual setting such as at a picnic or at the movies.

It's important to be comfortable in what you're wearing, but you also want to fit in (within reason!) with what other people will be wearing. Wear what suits both you and the situation best: jeans and t-shirts are fine for friends and the movies; a nice shirt and slacks or suit is more appropriate for work; party clothes should be saved for parties or fancy occasions. The same goes for accessories and make up: glitter eye shadow and elaborate hair might be fun after work, but look odd for a business meeting; you may feel most comfortable lounging in sneakers and a baseball cap, but not at a fancy restaurant or party. Think about what the majority of people will be wearing in the situation and wear something that fits in and makes you feel comfortable.

Resources Huntington:

Need appropriate clothing for an interview? Call Information and Referral, located on the 3rd floor of the Cabell County Library, 455 Ninth Street Huntington, WV 25701 , 304-528-5660. The hours are Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Bring verification of interview and they will provide a voucher for one outift for their interview. If you get the job, return to Information and Referral with verification of employment and you will receive a voucher for a week's worth of clothing. Note: Nursing or health care uniforms not provided.

Goodwill has a jobs program to help people get back into the work force. They provide training and help you to put together a resume and they video tape you doing a mock interview, so you can see how you do in the interview and what you need to improve on. They also provide training on how to dress professionally. Call 304-523-7461 for more information.

For more information on business attire, visit the Job Readiness course on this Web site.

Next: Conclusion: Getting Along With People

Conclusion: Getting Along With People

How you express yourself shows the kind of person you are - rude or considerate, selfish or generous. The really polite person is tuned in to other people's feelings and can put themselves in another person's place. They can understand how it would feel to be new to the neighborhood or job, or what it's like to be the shortest person in the class or the shyest person at a party. They react with understanding and with the kind of manners that matter because they come from the heart.

Treating others the way you would like to be treated is the easiest rule to follow and encourages others to treat you in kind. Even the most polite people in the world can occasionally say the wrong thing or make mistakes, but being kind, considerate, and generous on a daily basis shows true manners. We can't police ourselves all the time, but before you say or do something, ask yourself how you would feel if others said or did that to you. The more you practice this rule, the more natural and easier it becomes.

Good manners show the best you have to offer and encourage others to be their best. Practicing these manners on a daily basis makes for a more pleasant life.

•  Be thoughtful
•  Be cheerful
•  Be generous
•  Be cooperative
•  Be helpful
•  Don't be bossy
•  Don't put people down or say rude things
•  Respect other's privacy
•  Take care of personal property