Education in Etiquette
An education in etiquette instantly sets successful professionals apart from all the rest. At every level; approaching graduation, starting your career, currently interviewing for your dream job, or already on your way up the ladder - your knowledge and use of business etiquette is what gives you the competitive edge.
A Harvard-Standford study found that a person’s success, particularly in the workplace, is based 85% on their social skills, and less than 15% on their technical skills. That means, from the employer perspective, it is easier to teach the 15% of technical skills to the candidate who has polished social skills than it would be to hire the candidate with technical skills and teach them the 85% of social skills.
Elevated social graces stand out in every situation - business, social, or academic. Speaking to your boss, presenting to potential new clients, surviving an interview, networking at a big event, or hosting a dinner - people who walk into a room and feel at ease - are an incredibly valuable asset to any team.
Etiquette isn’t only used in elite places - that couldn’t be further from the truth. Etiquette is absolutely free and available to everyone. You will find that etiquette is what fuels our day to day lives in every situation. The core of etiquette is being respectful, considerate, and gracious to all those around you. From how you interact in an office environment and the ways you treat your colleagues, to the way you present yourself - etiquette is the protocol we follow to show respect to others. It is the science of every day life!
There are countless examples of how bad etiquette can break a great career opportunity. Hiring decisions are often decided over coffee, lunch or dinner. The top two or three candidates are often taken to lunch or dinner, individually, with the hiring committee or supervisor. While the applicant is so focused on answering the technical questions over the meal, they are actually be observed. Special attention is being paid to their social and dining manners through the meal. This doesn’t mean using the correct fork - which I’ll also teach you - but rather how you treat the service professionals at the restaurant. The belief is if you are disrespectful or dismissive to those helping serve you, then surely that’s how you will treat your future team members.
Business Etiquette isn’t something a person can “fake it till you make it” - cumulative practiced manners build confidence. This confidence can be learned, emulated, controlled, and used in every situation with just a few strategies for habit formation.
Etiquette equalizes personalities. People can form their opinions about us - but we each have the power to control their observations.
Bye Now.
