Etiquette and the workplace

May 11, 12:30 PMSF Workplace Issues ExaminerKristine Jaekel Wilfong

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I saw a bumper sticker the other day…it read “Karma is as Karma does” – of course the driver cut me off half a block later, so I kind of hoped that was true! But, yikes what about my Karma if I wished that!?!?

What ever you call it, Karma, the Golden Rule, the Secret…it’s basically putting out there what you hope to get back. In its formal form, it’s called etiquette. Monday, May 11th kicks off National Etiquette Week.

When I worked for a large formal business that conducted heavy college recruiting seeking the best and the brightest, we evaluated good grades and potential, and figured we could teach them manners. So true -- not everyone grows up in San Francisco knowing how to wield a crab fork. However, can you teach someone just to be mindful of the little things. Acknowledging the person who makes sure your office is clean, who keeps your supplies at the ready, who answers your phone is so important. Yes, it’s their job, but don’t you want someone to care and acknowledge that you are doing your job??? A little bit of etiquette goes a long way….saying “please” and “thank you” and not interrupting when someone is talking can take you a long way…

Peter Post is a director of The Emily Post Institute and author of five etiquette books, states "Your skills can get you in the door; your people skills are what can seal the deal."

A few years ago, so disgusted with the rudeness I was seeing in the workplace I picked up a little book simply titled “Manners.” Written by Kate Spade, the queen of coveted handbags.  It is a fun read and a great reminder and reference for manners everywhere from the workplace, to traveling to tipping at the day spa.

My favorite quote from Spade’s book is what sums up what modern etiquette and manners truly seek to accomplish – “Making others feel at ease is the essence of etiquette, yesterday and today."  We all enjoy the workplace more when we are at ease with one another.

You can test your “EI” or Etiquette Intelligence at: http://www.emilypost.com/business/business_ei_quiz.htm