Does your team practice professional etiquette? This might look like actively listening during meetings, communicating respectfully and showing appreciation for each other’s contributions. While these behaviors might sound basic, they can give your team an edge. They’re also more important than ever, according to Pamela Eyring, the president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington.

Eyring says that professional etiquette — the positive behaviors of an individual who cares about how someone else feels — can foster an environment where trust, collaboration and mutual respect flourish. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share her 3 strategies for boosting your professional etiquette.

  1. Teach soft skills. Eyring points out Deloitte research that shows that 92% of companies say soft skills matter more or much more than hard skills. Soft skills like teamwork can lead to better collaboration and skills like critical thinking can help sales reps make more informed decisions. You can teach your team members soft skills, like business etiquette. Host regular training sessions on communication and interpersonal skills. Eyring also recommends providing feedback and recognition for positive interactions among team members.

  2. Model professionalism personally. When your team members see you respond with civility or demonstrate kindness, it prompts them to do the same. You don’t have to be perfect, Eyring says, but you should model the skills you want to see in your team. Always try to lead by example. Remember to show appreciation as well. Even just a simple gesture like saying “thank you” can go a long way in reinforcing a culture of respect.  

  3. Set professional etiquette expectations. Your staff members should know what’s acceptable and what they’re working toward. Don’t assume they’ve learned etiquette from other companies. Eyring suggests discussing topics like punctuality and preparation, dress code, professional communication and workplace civility. She says that civility, in particular, may not be a natural inclination for everyone, so it’s important to set clear expectations and defined standards that enable growth and accountability.

Don’t overlook the power of small gestures. Actions like looking up from your phone and chatting with a co-worker or letting someone know they did a nice job on a recent presentation can make a world of difference. By getting back to the basics of kindness and respect, you can significantly improve your experience at work.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Pamela Eyring is the president and owner of The Protocol School of Washington, an accredited school focusing on international protocol, business etiquette and communication skills training.