For anyone who may be unclear as to what business etiquette means, here is a dictionary definition.
According to Collins Dictionary, it is: ‘the customary code of polite, professional behavior and manners that governs interactions in the workplace. It consists of both written rules (like company policies and dress codes) and unwritten standards (such as communication styles and active listening) designed to foster a respectful, collaborative environment.’
I have been reflecting on the importance of business etiquette recently and how much it matters. Why?
Because when business people don’t adhere to it, misunderstandings, lack of trust, and bad feelings very quickly follow. The issue is that, because it is somewhat subjective, what is unacceptable to one person can seem perfectly normal to another.
For example, I recently had an online meeting with an organisation that reached out to me to do some associate coaching. The meeting went well, we discussed moving forward, and the meeting ended with the person from the company saying they would send me certain documents the following week. It is now almost three weeks later, and I am still waiting.
I reached out last week to follow up, and I didn’t receive a reply.
Now, I do appreciate that people are exceptionally busy. I do allow for that, so I didn’t worry when I didn’t hear anything after a week.
But how long is too long before you get back to someone? I think anything over two weeks is too long if you have said a week. You see, if it were me, I would send a quick thirty-second email to apologize, explain why there was a hold-up, and ensure the person knew all was in hand. This is what I mean by business etiquette. You see, the problem is that I am beginning now to lose trust in this company. I am saying to myself, well, if this is how they are treating me now, how will they treat me when I am doing associate work for them?
But then I start making excuses for them, and that, in itself, should be a red flag. Why should I make excuses for them? Are my expectations too high? I don’t believe so, but if you think they are, I’d love to hear your reasons why.
I treat people the way I would like to be treated, and that matters in business. We all appreciate that things go wrong, that we might need more time, and deadlines may need to be pushed back. Fine.
It is simply good manners and good business etiquette to communicate that to your client/customers or colleagues. It would save so many misunderstandings.
As for ghosting people in business, it is disgraceful behaviour from which there is no coming back. I would assume at that stage, the person doing the ghosting is well aware of that. What they may not consider, however, is how the person who has been ghosted is talking about their company to everyone they know.
Is that the kind of reputation you want to have?
As for me, the company has until the end of this week to contact me, and if I don’t hear from them, then I won’t be working with them. Yes, that’s a strong boundary, but I don’t want to work with companies that have no business etiquette.
Respect others, be accountable, and communicate clearly. Start with those three traits to develop your business etiquette and see how it improves relationships, productivity, and trust.
