Business Etiquette
Difference Between School and Business Individual Tests Quantified Customer Objective Written Senior Business Teamwork Relationships Subjective Employee Judgments Verbal Trainee Individual vs. Teamwork: School you work independently while at work, your work with people is the focal point. In business almost all of your success will be achieved based on cooperation with other people. Tests vs. Relationships: In school the most critical ability was to understand books and lectures, then to take tests or write papers on what you had learned. In business the most critical ability is to develop positive relationships. If people like you, respect you, and want to help you, you will have great advantage in accomplishing your goals. Your ability to influence, motivate and get cooperation from all types of people is critical ability will determine your success in business. Structure: Quantified vs. Subjective: Schools are intentionally quantified, that is, they are designed to measure an individual student’s knowledge. To be successful a student chooses a degree program and follows the class and credit requirements. The student always knows exactly where he is in the process and how much it will take to finish. Business is much more subjective. Business is less structured because it consists of relationships between people, their opinions of you, and how much they believe and trust in you. Many grads have difficultly adjusting to the lack of structure in business compared to school. Customer vs. Employee: School you are the customer. In business it changes. Instead of you paying money to receive services, the company will pay you money to perform a service for them. Many grads think their company’s primary concern is to enhance their careers and help them succeed. Performance: Objective vs. Judgment: In school the grading system is objective and impersonal. Performance in business is determined by the opinion of others. This reliance on one person’s judgment for your entire annual performance rating puts added emphasis on your ability to develop positive relationships. Communication: Written vs. Verbal: In school a great deal of information you learn is written. In business 80% of the communication you give and receive consists of one-on-one or small group interaction. Your success will be determined by how well you use the words that motivate people and how well you avoid words that offend them. Prestige: Senior vs. Trainee: As a senior in school you have prestige. When you start your first job will drop from a position of high prestige that you held as a college senior to one of very low prestige.
Most Important Skill How to read people. Become a people watcher Be a good listener Predict what you think they’re going to do
Most Important Skill Create Positive Relationships Find out what people want and help them get it Be alert to people’s interests and hobbies
Most Important Skill Use Positive Relationships to Achieve Your Goals Once you establish a relationship never abuse them. Thank them! Be aware of another’s position, what they can and can not do, relationships with others, and ethics of the situation
Develop Good Work Habits Competition: Be the best Honesty & Integrity: Reputation is important. Don’t steal time. Demonstrate integrity. Keep confidences Work Hours: Adjust your hours around others. Watch attendance and absences Deadlines are very important. Make all meetings and appointments
Develop Good Work Habits Neatness: Many advantages of looking neat Workloads: Develop an eager and willing attitude. Don’t be a complainer. Offer your assistance to others Volunteer for projects. Guard against over-promising Breaks and Lunches. Be aware of customs and reputation
Develop Good Work Habits Perception is Reality: What does your boss and others think of you? Getting your money’s worth: That’s what the company wants
New Skills are Important Organization: Calendars, files, and lists Calendar: Don’t over book, give yourself travel time Filing System: Dept. filing system and develop a tickle file
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