Etiquette vs Manners

By Omania Terry, Effectiveness Specialist

In today's world of speed, technology, everyone wanting everything now, we often forget about the small things that matter. The small things that can help you when returning to the workforce. The whole corporate minefield can be a scary place when you have been out of the whole working game. And yes, it is a game.

When you take it back to basics, it isn’t that difficult and lot of these tips will help you in both your personal and professional life.

• Use peoples name – it is the magic password. Not only at work, but why not at the supermarket. I love using the person’s name with I see a name tag. It really makes their day.
  
  
• Be interested in others – but don’t’ fake it. People know when you are not sincere.
  
  
• Say hello – saying hello makes everyone feel better, including yourself. The CEO is a person too so say hello if you cross their path.
  
  
• Say thank you – it works wonders. How simple is this statement, however you will be surprised how people have forgotten to say it.
  
  
• Be gracious – let others take the credit, pass through the door first. They’ll love you for it.
  
  
• Make a fuss in a nice way – praise someone when they have accomplished something special to them. It may not be important to you, but could be a major achievement for them.
  
  
• Put others in the spotlight – ask about them, their lives, but remember to be interested. Everyone needs a little spotlight to shine.
  
  
• Listen, listen, listen – this is one of the hardest things for people to do. If you keep hearing your voice, close your mouth! To know if you are listening, repeat some of what the other person has said back to them.
  
  
• Never make someone feel like they are a bore – even if they are. Usually these people don’t realise they are a bore, but they may be lonely and really need someone to talk to.
  
  
• Be compassionate.
  
  
• Avoid sarcasm – people notice, really, they do.
  
  
• Be generous – shout lunch or coffee, even if it is your boss. This speaks mountains about your character.
  
  
• Be big – apologise when you have done something wrong, get it over and done with and move on. You will gain more respect. We are not perfect you know.
  
  
• Be observant – notice the small things that people have done ie new haircut, new dress.
  
  
• Let things go – know what battles are worth fighting. At the end of the day, is it worth the grief.

By taking it back to basic manners will make the transition of going back to work that little bit easier. It will give you the confidence to get back into the swing of things. Good luck.

Regards
Omania

About Omania: Originally from New Zealand, I have lived in Australia for 15 years and I love it here. I have had a diverse professional career that has taken me to various parts of the world. I have been a fashion designer and had my own clothing manufacturing company; I was a professional model and had a grooming and deportment school; as a woolclasser I travelled the world working for various shearing contractors; I have worked for some incredible companies including a gold mine, an engineering firm, a recruitment agency, telecommunications company, farming consultant, accountant and opened a weightloss centre. My life has never been dull and I really don’t think that will ever change. So what can I take from these experiences? It has given me the knowledge and experience to look at a business, assess what is going on and see what it needs. Whether it is structuring the office management, professional development for the team or putting an event together. I enjoy working with others to make things happen and to pass on the knowledge that I have gained over my personal and professional life. Visit www.omaniaterry.com.au