The personality of a leader attracts many people. It is charismatic and hence people notice the tiniest details about a celebrity or a successful business person. Practicing manners and respecting others is a need for survival too. As performers we all need to make hat special effort to overcome our negative traits and learn new enhancers that slowly become a part of our personality. There are special etiquette courses to be imparted to all the employees during an induction program.
Beyond dining manners and other minute dress details, business etiquettes are a different meaning altogether. While doing interviews, it is very important as a boss to make the candidate very comfortable. Distractions like an open laptop or beeping messages should be avoided. The tone of the room and the ambience of the décor should mean business whether the candidate is a fresher or a person offering new business.
It is imperative to dress very appropriately. For men blazers seem must for the board room or else the button down shirt along with a formal tie is essential for office. Depending on the post the etiquettes also vary. Carrying mobiles is a necessity but should be seen as an impediment to other means of communication. It is wise to keep the mobile in your pockets or trouser pockets and accessing it only when necessary serves the purpose.
Business means professional handshakes. This is a sign of confidence. Smiles must be practiced and a genuine regard and respect for all employees means greeting them well. While you approach the cabin of a senior, make sure to keep your mobile in the silent mode and carry relevant papers, notes so that there is no wastage of time. Respecting time and money is the biggest prelude to observing manners in business.
For a casual lunch with colleagues, keep the conversation simple and unrelated to office gossip or new ventures. If you are the team leader, let the juniors take the initiative to order something. Care about people by appreciating their order and also help them drop they shyness or being conscious about you. Regard people with respect and also know about food allergies of any employees.
Business class airline travel also calls for privileges but at that time too there is a need to observe manners. Having empathy for fellow passengers and respecting the airline rules. Polite requests certainly regard you as a good human being. While traveling abroad observe religious and cultural sentiments. Thank your host well and gifts if received must be valued with a genuine gesture and a few words of appreciation.