Etiquette covers a set of rules for a variety of interactions and situations. In all business dealings, you should practice proper etiquette to leave the right impression on those around you. Business etiquette can be a bit more formal than personal etiquette. Ignoring basic business etiquette might be detrimental to your business reputation and career. Especially in management and leadership positions, employees should strive to set a good example for other employees in the business.

Phone

1. Always identify the company and your name when you answer your business phone. A standard greeting such as “Hello, this is John Doe of XYZ Company” is an appropriate greeting. When you make calls to others, always identify yourself and your company. Speak clearly and avoid working on other tasks while you are on the phone. You should never eat, drink or hold outside conversations while you speaking on the phone.

Email

1. Even though emails seem to be informal, business emails should maintain a sense of formality. Use greetings, proper punctuation, grammar and closings. Proofread all emails before you send them, and even read them aloud in some cases to check the tone of the message. Avoid using all caps in an email, which is seen as yelling. Text abbreviations and emoticons have no place in business communications. Review the “to” field before sending to ensure you have chosen the right recipient.

Daily Interactions

1. Always speak to coworkers and others in the workplace when you arrive. Smile at people you pass in the hallway and exchange friendly banter such as a quick “how are you?” as you pass by offices in the building. Avoid telling jokes that might come off as inappropriate and generally avoid the topics of politics and religion while at work. Make yourself approachable to your peers and promptly return phone calls and emails.

Meetings

1. When you attend meetings, arrive a few minutes early with a notepad and pen in hand. Do not talk on your phone, read text messages or emails, or otherwise distract yourself from what is happening. Always speak in turn and do not interrupt when other people are speaking. Take notes, but do not doodle or show boredom during the meeting. Keep your attention focused on the agenda and the speaker.

Business Meals

1. Attempt to find out beforehand who will be paying for a meal if you are unsure. If you are taking clients out to dinner, it is customary for the business to handle the check. Place your napkin in your lap, rise whenever ladies excuse themselves from the table if you are a man, and use “please” and “thank you” with the wait staff. Avoid ordering food that is messy or requires you to eat with your hands. Take small bites and cut only the amount of food you will eat in one bite. When you are finished, cross your silverware across your plate, but keep your napkin in your lap.