|
notjustinfo.com |
||
|
|
Knowledge centre for MBA students. |
|
|
|
In Nisha Jose Business Etiquette can make or mar Business Relationships.
Many potentially worthwhile and profitable alliances have been lost because of
an unintentional breach of conduct. Gone are the days when only the `boss'
traveled abroad, today young professionals attend business conferences and
meetings in foreign terrain. The same plight awaits the eager professional
who has secured a job abroad. His passport and the appointment letter tell
him nothing about the world that he is going to set foot upon. What awaits
them in all probability is Culture
Shock! Business etiquette is made up of significantly more
important things than knowing which fork to use while dining with a client.
Etiquette is about presenting yourself with the kind of polish that shows you
can be taken seriously. It is also about being comfortable around people (and
making them comfortable around you!). Basic knowledge and practice of
etiquette is a valuable advantage, because in a lot of situations, a second
chance may not be possible or practical. Grooming an individual to put his/her best foot forward
thus becomes an indispensable exercise. However, there is nothing that can
prepare him/her for the first experience. The idea is not to conjure up an
image of a hostile world beyond but to emphasise the importance of being
knowledgeable and sensitive. Formerly perceived as soft skills, busy,
results-oriented professionals have found that professional etiquette
influences their success because it differentiates them in a competitive
market. It also enables them to be confident in a variety of settings with a
variety of people from all walks of life. Globalisation has expanded the geographical map of
business dealings. Today, the Indian traveling abroad is not confined to
English speaking countries alone. So it is imperative that he/she be familiar
with the culture of various countries. It is important to note that etiquette
in other cultures requires a bit of adaptation and flexibility. If you're
traveling on business to a foreign destination, or have visitors here, it is
a good idea to learn as much as you can about their culture and make
appropriate adjustments. Assistance to this end is available in plenty but
the individual must realise the importance of this training and not shun it
as a mere corporate exercise. First impressions can leave an indelible imprint on a
relationship. Business etiquette and protocol remove the guesswork out of
awkward situations by providing practical solutions. The lament is that
professionals in their rush to keep abreast of the latest business and
technical developments may put social skills on the back-burner. Neglected
for too long, inadequacy of these skills surface when an executive meets a
foreign counterpart. The fact remains that in addition to good technical
skills; good business and social skills are prerequisites to success. It is
essential for an executives to know how to present/receive business cards,
make introductions properly without falling all over themselves, to have good
table manners, to be able to cultivate polite conversation and be aware of
the rules of courtesy. As the old adage proclaims: Clothes maketh a man. Clothes are to us what fur and feathers are
to beasts and birds, they not only add to our appearance, but they are our appearance. Our appearance
entirely depends upon what we wear and how we wear it; manners and speech are
noted later, and character last of all. It would be advisable to be informed
of the dress code keeping in mind the country and the occasion. Business etiquette and protocol is a combination of
knowing the rules, and a little bit of common sense and consideration. Every
situation cannot be anticipated in its right proportion thus making it
difficult to groom individuals for the real experience. Possibilities to
commit a faux pas are limitless, and chances are, sooner or later you'll make
a mistake. It is not enough just to know what is required in specific
situations; it is also essential to know how exactly to carry out these
requirements. Numerous websites are available wherein guidance in grooming
oneself for the perfect impression is delivered. Corporate houses can also
send their employees to finishing schools where experts work on the
personality of the individual and chisel away any rough edges. Therefore, it goes without saying that professional
etiquette builds leadership, quality, business and careers. It refines skills
needed for exceptional service. Whether you are a seasoned executive or a
budding one, the role of business etiquette in your career must be realised. Without etiquette, you limit your
potential, risk your image and jeopardize relationships that are fundamental
to business success. |
|