A little Business Etiquette

This etiquette is only really appropriate for Western companies and should not be applied all over the world.

Introductions
When introducing yourself:

• Say Hello.
  
• Introduce yourself without title (i.e. Mr. Mrs.).
  
• Add some info about yourself, your position/responsibilities.
  
• Try to repeat their name, so you can remember it.
  
• Use other persons title (i.e. Mr. Mrs.) until they invite you to use their first name.
  

When introducing two people to each other it is important to rank the two people according to the following criteria:

• Rank, customer is most important
  
• Age
  
• Familiarity
  
• Once rank has been determined introduce the lower ranking person to the higher ranking person. Use the higher ranking person’s title to introduce them (i.e. Mr. Mrs.) and introduce the lower ranking person by the first and last name.
  

Handshakes
Do:

• Wipe hands if needed (try not to do it in front of other person)
  
• Stand close so elbows are slightly bent
  
• Begin as introductions are ending
  
• Be firm, but do not squeeze
  
• Make eye contact and smile
  
• Continue for 2-3 seconds (2-3 shakes)

Don’t:

• Grab the other person’s hand with two hands
  
• Grab the other person’s elbow
  
• Drag the other person’s hand around
  

Entering Cubicles

• Knock/announce yourself
  
• Ask permission to enter
  
• Enter cubicle to converse if allowed
  
• Do not hover when occupant is busy
  
• Do not handle personal or work items on desks
  

Deflecting work when busy
If you are busy and someone comes to discuss unrelated or less important work you can use the following techniques to end the conversation without offending anyone:

• Greet the interrupter
  
• Show interest
  
• Assert your priority (what you are working on is more important)
  
• Offer an alternative (i.e. different time to discuss)
  1. If it is not work related discuss during lunch or after hours
  

Offering Opinions

• Limit negative opinions to small audiences
  
• Open positive opinions to large audiences
  
• Focus comments to make them appropriate for specific acts or results
  
• Do not overstate or understate, use moderate language