We're back with the 3rd installment of our 'Business Protocol' article! Thanks for stopping by!
Here's a quick glance at the previous 2 weeks:
B- Be on time.
U- Use the 'relate to' model to help remember names and titles.
S- Stay an arms length away.
I- Importance of organizational culture.
N- Never be intoxicated!
Now, onto our new material!
E - Everyone should understand the importance of nonverbal communication in the workplace and, really, in any relationship. The old saying, “Your actions speak so loudly, I can’t hear a word you are saying” is still true and relates to body language. If your mouth is saying one thing and your body language another, others will believe your body language, rendering you non-credible and untrustworthy.
S - Stop the gossip--yours and others. A satisfying workplace, which we all desire, is no place for talking about a coworker in a provocative or derogatory way. You might be saying, “I can stop my own gossip but stopping others’ is easier said than done.” Many times, an organization’s “gossip meter” is a measurement of the health of the organization. Gossip is generally alive and well in an organization which doesn’t have good communication systems. In terms of stopping the gossip of others, the most effective ways I’ve found of dealing with this is simply to get away from the gossiper or to say something like “You know, I have enough trouble keeping my own life straight, let along worry about someone else’s.” Then give a slight laugh and leave. Whatever you do, do not repeat gossip. It is simply not the right thing to do.
S - Stay away from friendships with your subordinates. If you go to lunch with one subordinate, go to lunch with each of the other subordinates. Don’t play golf or go shopping after work with only a small group of your people. The perception of favoritism is so very damaging to a workplace, so avoid it at all costs. If you do have a subordinate friend due to circumstances beyond your control, be sure others can see that you have separated the friendship from your work relationship with this person.
Our fourth installment will start 'protocol' and will be up next week! Check back then for more useful information!
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