A fresh perspective on business etiquette

Business etiquette is constantly changing with technology and the workforce; this does not mean the basics have changed.

Being a millennial allows for a different perspective on the integration of different business processes by experiencing those processes. And, whether it is interviews, training, internal communication, or general customer service, one thing is clear: There is not a cohesive understanding these days of business etiquette.

Interviews

The beginning of a position, or perception of a business, primarily happens within the interview process. When the basics are not initially met, concern can set in.

Interviews will always be a learning process for both parties, but one would think that larger companies, such as chain businesses, would have a better understanding of this process. There have been interviews where the employer talked about a sass-filled environment and questioned how the employee would handle the situation. When this question is asked, I instantly think: Why would this business allow such chaos? The answer is: It shouldn’t.

What led businesses to the lack of focus towards unruly behavior? There are many answers to this question. It could be looking past this behavior because this employee is the owner/manager’s friend, has been there for a long time, or it might be that their supervisor is just lazy and does not want confrontation.

Training

Once hired, the learning process in order to become a valuable employee begins. One would expect orderly and concise training. There should be someone of great knowledge passing down what they know, and there should be a specific amount of time based on the complexity of the position. Too often, this is not the case.

There are times when employers will essentially let the new hire have at it the first day. Unless there is extensive experience in this position, it is hard for an employee to know all of the policies and procedures to correctly accomplish tasks at hand. When an employee is left in this situation, the business can quickly begin to crumble. It seems as though a lot of businesses are doing the bare minimum to get by.

Ideally, where there is an allotted time for training, an employee would also expect to learn from examples by the supervisor/manager. If the trainer curses or speaks poorly to other colleagues in front of clients, does this give the new employee the right to do so, as well? Profanity and rude behavior are not high ethical standards in the workplace, and new hires should question them.

I believe training is supposed to give me the correct tools to do my job as well as supply me with confidence, and not the other way around. Poor training can leave me, as well as the business, looking inadequate.

I dislike that feeling and so do clients.

Internal Communication

Communication within can lead to a strong business. Strong communication should be a goal of all businesses. The dynamics of communication between colleagues can begin the first day on the job. Strong communication not only encourages the success of the business, it also contributes to the success of an individual. When an employee is in strife with colleagues early on, or often, that sets an uncomfortable and insecure tone.

Taking turns, body language, acknowledgment, and language are all concepts that are crucial for success. An employee will gain knowledge of how these concepts are utilized in their current workplace by, again, being led by example. It should just be common knowledge: Don’t constantly curse, gossip, or interrupt, but do acknowledge others, show genuine interest, and build people up.

So, why doesn’t it seem as though this should already be ingrained in everyone?

Customer Service

Interacting with the public is the time to shine. How one treats people says a lot about the person. Understandably, most employees apply for jobs out of necessity, but why not do them correctly, as well as going above and beyond?

When customer service is flawed, it is because of two main reasons: lack of good training or feeling that there will never be recognition for outstanding work. Customer service is truly achieved by the employer and employee, together: As they say, “it takes two to tango.” Employers should train correctly and give acknowledgment when needed. Employees should put their all into their position and be thankful for having a job.

This article stems from my personal experience as a millennial in several different industries. I, of course, have a bias that I believe stems from having an older parent (he was 50 when I was born; I am now 20) and his stories about being a working professional.

It seems as though people and businesses are doing the bare minimum to get by, but at least they are doing that.

When you get a thank you  or a compliment, acknowledge it. There are always rewards in doing great work, so we should work to our fullest potential at that time, so that everyone is getting the best from the situation.