Editor’s note: Margaret Page is founder and CEO of Etiquette Page Enterprises, a Western Canadian training organization, and author of The Power of Polite, Blueprint for Success and Cognito Cards – Wisdom for Dining & Social Etiquette.
At one time, the line between our labor and our leisure was abundantly clear: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. was work; evenings and weekends were for play. But today, in the age of the new workplace order – where going to the gym happens on the job and chatting at the watercooler is encouraged – the line between personal and professional time is blurred. It’s important to remember that whether you are spending a day on the golf course with a client or speaking to one of your friends in a board meeting, the rules of professionalism still apply.
1. Practice good grooming.
It’s great that you ran a few miles with a client over your lunch break or took a spin class with your assistant. Always take the time to have a shower or at the least rinse off. Nothing affects someone’s credibility more than poor grooming. If you worked up a sweat, you need to take time to refresh – no matter how much work is waiting for you.
2. Choose your words carefully.
If you drop a language bomb, the effects of it will linger. And like all bombs, language bombs spell danger. The words you use leave a lasting impression on those around you. Although Sandra Bullock’s slip at the 2014 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards may have awarded her a few startled chuckles from the crowd, it also overshadowed her acceptance speech. Do a quick search of “Sandra Bullock + Acceptance Speech” and you’ll find dozens of videos and commentary on the slip, with very few details about the actual monologue.
When you drop an F-bomb, credibility goes down and caution goes up!
3. Meet people on their terms.
The golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated is no longer enough in this age of connectivity. Instead, consider the platinum rule: Treat others as they would have you treat them. Some people prefer to use e-mail to communicate, while others use texting, social media and Skype. And yes, there are still those who prefer a phone call. Everyone has a preferred mode of communication so find out what that is for each business contact – and use it.
And that’s just the first step.
If you want to build lasting relationships with clients and colleagues, know and appreciate their model of the world. Perhaps you’re working with a client who has specific days of the week blocked off for meetings. Note this so that you can schedule meetings on those specific days. Having this awareness and making the effort to be accommodating goes a long way in building strong business relationships.
4. Know when to stop talking.
How much of your own personal challenges – or successes – do you share with your clients or colleagues? Even though you’ve become friends with some of your business connections, you must still keep professionalism in mind when sharing personal information. It would not, for example, be appropriate to share the gruesome details of your spouse’s infidelity with someone you work with – no matter how close you are. Keep the information at a classified level if you’re reaching out for support from co-workers and refrain from seeking advice from clients or your boss when it comes to your personal life. Instead, seek out someone from HR for support or find a coach or therapist you can work with.
The converse is also true here: When you are on the receiving end of the conversation, be available to lend an ear but be very careful not to get pulled into personal drama. The line can become very fuzzy if you open the door too wide. Take the time to listen and encourage them to seek professional support if needed.
5. Leave things better than you found them.
What things? Everything: people, plans and projects – whatever you are involved in. Sometimes we don’t realize the implications of our interactions. Too often “average” and “good enough” are the standards that people reach for. While average is great for your blood pressure, it is not inspiring in the workplace.
How do you want people to feel when they interact with you? Worse? Exactly the same? Or better? You really do have the power to make or break someone’s day. Sometimes it’s the simplest gesture that makes the biggest impact.
Imagine if you approached life, business and everything else that matters with a vision of leaving it better than you found it. Or if each time you did something you wanted to do it better than the time before. If you set the bar high, you will always have a job, a career, a place to go and people who want to be connected to you in some way.
While it’s true that the way we conduct business these days has changed, the way we present ourselves is fundamentally the same. If you are well-groomed, speak profoundly, connect with others and make a positive difference in the world, you will succeed at work and at play.