Workplace etiquette largely relies on your workplace. I work in an office and so this is where my experience is coming from.

I am a Customer Relations officer for a large Train Operating Company, and quite often it is difficult to retain a professional demeanour with colleagues and customers so over the years I have fine honed my work place etiquette to a number of areas.

1. Don't be wet: Huh? I hear you cry. What I mean is from the beginning don't be a pushover, be accommodating and polite, a team player and supportive, but know your limits. This is doubly true when dealing with difficult customers. If someone asks you to do something, or pushes you to do something that is outside your area, if you are not sure about whether you will do it correctly or feel uncomfortable it is fine to say a polite but definite no.

2. Go the extra mile: I know it seems like a contradiction considering what I have said above, but refusing to do something you are not comfortable with and going the extra mile are completely different. I often have to write to customers who are very disappointed in the train service they have received or a decision that the train company has made which they feel affects them negatively. There are a small team of us and we are often contacted, sometimes in the hundreds about the same matter. Now my own way of working is to store anything I have written or write paragraphs filled with useful and pertinent information so if I get asked the same question I have a ready store of information to send to the customer. I usually make it my priority to send these paragraphs and letter templates to my colleagues, that way we are all informed in the same way. This is not part of my job per se but I use my initiative and it has a very positive effect. Not only within my team but also on the managers who notice I've done it.

3. Choose Your Attitude: If you walk into the office dreading the day ahead it's going to be awful. If you MAKE THE DECISION to smile and participate in what you do you will be surprised what a difference it can make.

4. Choose your Reaction: It is often your reaction to something that determines how you feel about something. If someone or something irritates you in the office, take the time to think before you speak. Is it worth letting it bother you? Really is the lack of coffee granules really enough to make you tense and snappy, is it really so important that you will let it rule your entire day. Shake it off. If you

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about The proper workplace etiquette?
We want to hear your view. Write now!