4 Etiquette/Dress

IMPRESSION MANNERS PERCEPTION

After studying these topics, you will benefit by: Explaining the elements of professional dress Recognizing the importance of making a positive first impression Expressing an understanding of workplace etiquette Identifying the importance of making and keeping appointments Describing the impact dress can have on others’ perception of you Demonstrating appropriate behavior in work-related social situations

DRESS/ETIQUETTE Employees represent their company The way you communicate, dress, and behave both inside and outside the company contributes to others’ perception of you and your company

THINK ABOUT IT Do you practice good manners on a regular basis?

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE Executive presence: having the attitude of an executive by demonstrating appropriate workplace behavior Use good manners to create positive relationships Smiling, please, thank you Be prepared for the social experiences you will face in the workplace Attire, protocol, social etiquette, dining, technology

INFLUENCES OF APPEARANCE The majority of first impressions are made through your appearance Appearance has an impact on how you perform at work Think of your appearance as a frame; it is there only to highlight the picture Not just physical features, but attitude, knowledge, and potential

INFLUENCES OF DRESS Dress code: a policy that addresses issues such as required attire, uniforms, hairstyle, undergarments, jewelry, and shoes Know what is acceptable Vary depending on the industry, work area, and health/safety issues Some are vague, some specific Should pose no safety hazards Observe how your managers dress

INFLUENCES OF DRESS Work wardrobe: clothes primarily worn to work and work-related functions Start with basic pieces and be conservative Items should fit properly, be comfortable, and not wear out quickly Develop a style that conforms to both company policy and your taste

INFLUENCES OF DRESS Basic pieces for women: Basic pieces for men: Simple, solid, dark skirt or pantsuit Blazer Basic pieces for men: Dark slacks Jacket Tie

TALK IT OUT Identify local stores where you can purchase professional attire at a low cost

CASUAL WORKDAYS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Casual workdays: days when companies relax their dress code Dress appropriately for work Do not wear tattered, stained, or torn clothing Avoid shirts with sayings or graphics that may offend others Dress modestly When visiting different geographic locations, research appropriate attire

TALK IT OUT Identify people in class who are wearing something appropriate for a casual workday

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE Shower daily and use deodorant Use perfume, lotion, or cologne sparingly Clothes should fit properly and be clean and ironed, not torn and no sweat suits Hair should be clean, well kept, a natural color, and professional Practice good dental hygiene Brush and floss

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE Hands and nails should be well-groomed Neat and conservative if polished Jewelry should be kept to a minimum Avoid large and gaudy Shoes should be in good condition No flip-flops No hoodies, no wearing sunglasses inside, and earbuds should not be visible

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE Women Shoes in good condition, not too high Nylons, socks free of snags Makeup should be minimal for day wear Use natural colors It is not acceptable to wear suggestive clothing No visible cleavage, bare midriffs, or undergarments

TIPS FROM HEAD TO TOE Men Shoes polished, scuff free, match pants Shave and/or trim facial hair, including nose and ear hair Professional pants with neutral belt Shirts should be tucked in Hats should not be worn inside buildings except for religious purposes

TALK IT OUT Discuss today’s fashions and trends that would or would not be appropriate for the workplace

JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS Do not wear or display anything that brings unwanted attention Follow company policy Body piercings and body rings/jewelry may be offensive to some individuals Consider the long-term consequences Relationships and situations change Consider size, color, graphic, and placement

THINK ABOUT IT How may a tattoo or piercing affect securing a job in your target area?

JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS If you already have body art and/or piercings, it is recommended that you cover your tattoo with clothing, makeup, or other methods until you are clear on your employer’s policy regarding visible body art

JEWELRY, BODY PIERCING, AND TATTOOS Nose, lip, and/or tongue rings should not be worn in a professional setting More than two earrings worn on each ear is considered unprofessional Jewelry should not draw attention Symbols or words that could be considered offensive to others Body art should not be visible at work

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE Etiquette: a standard of social behavior as seen by society Courtesy: exercising manners, respect, and consideration toward others Respect: holding someone in high regard; putting others’ needs before your own needs Treat others as you want them to treat you

TALK IT OUT Discuss ways to demonstrate courtesy in class.

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE Please and Thank You These are extremely powerful words that can create power for you at work When someone does something nice for you, say “thank you” Make it a habit to write a thank-you note when someone does something for you Individuals will be more likely to continue performing kind acts for you

HANDSHAKES A good handshake conveys confidence Extend your right hand, make eye contact and smile while greeting Meet at the web and grip the other person’s hand Gently squeeze and shake hands

HANDSHAKES Do not squeeze too firmly Shake the entire hand, not just the fingers Do not place your hand on top of the other person’s hand or pat the hand If your palms are sweaty, discreetly wipe your palm on the side of your hip prior to shaking

INTRODUCTIONS AND NETWORKING Networking: the process of meeting and developing relationships A tool for collaboration Initiate conversation Focus the conversation on the other person Create a positive relationship

TALK IT OUT What prevents you from initiating a conversation with someone you do not know? What steps can you take to overcome these barriers?

INTRODUCTIONS AND NETWORKING Introduce the lower-ranking person to the higher-ranking person Example: “Ben, this is Rafaela McClaine, the president of our company. Rafaela, this is Ben Yu, my next-door neighbor.”

APPOINTMENTS Meetings, phone, Internet Check regional time differences and confirm Be kind to the receptionist and/or administrative assistance (gatekeeper) State name, purpose, desired date, and time Call if late or have to cancel

APPOINTMENTS Telephone or Internet Face-to-face Use a quiet and appropriate location Dress professionally Do not use a public location Face-to-face Arrive 5-10 minutes early, but not earlier Introduce yourself Thank the participants

DINING ETIQUETTE

DINING ETIQUETTE Place your napkin on your lap; if you leave the table, place your napkin to the side of your plate Do not order expensive or messy foods Do not order alcohol unless others at your table first order an alcoholic beverage; abstaining from alcohol is the most desired behavior Do not discuss business matters until everyone has ordered

DINING ETIQUETTE Utensils are set to be used in order of necessity Use the bread plate for bread and butter; do not butter the entire piece of bread at one time Offer bread to others before taking yours With beverages, offer and serve others at your table prior to serving yourself

DINING ETIQUETTE Begin eating only when everyone at your table has been served; if everyone receives their meal except you, give others at your table permission to begin eating without you Do not eat your meal with your fingers unless your main course can be eaten without utensils Be kind and polite to the staff and servers Chew with your mouth closed and do not talk with food in your mouth

DINING ETIQUETTE If you accidentally burp or slurp, immediately apologize and say “excuse me” When finished eating, place your knife and fork together; blade facing in and tines up, when resting, place fork tines facing down It is inappropriate to use a mobile device while dining; if you must take a call, excuse yourself from the table Pay your portion of bill, or thank the host

TALK IT OUT Share common dining and social situations that make you uncomfortable and identify how best to deal with these situations

TOPIC SITUATION Briggs TOPIC RESPONSE: What steps would you take to ensure you dress and act appropriately when attending a business conference?

DINING ETIQUETTE R.S.V.P. means “please respond” Send a reply, whether you are accepting the invitation or sending your regrets

DINING ETIQUETTE When attending a social functional with other professionals, remember: Refrain or limit the consumption of alcohol Only serve yourself a small plate of hors d’oeuvres and move away from the food table Hold your hors d’oeuvres in your left hand, leaving your right hand free to shake hands and greet others Do not talk with food in your mouth Wear a name badge on your right shoulder

OTHER ETIQUETTE BASICS Have a pleasant attitude Please and thank you Knock before entering an office Put others first and allow others to go first Apologize—everyone makes mistakes No profanity in the workplace Avoid dominating a conversation—the key is listening