ETIQUETTE TIP: The Excellent Manager - Working Smart
Give full credit to whoever deserves it - and do it in-front of the staff.
Always use "we" instead of "I" when representing fellow team members.
Vigorously defend any team member who has been unjustly accused and lobby for another chance for any team player who has been justly accused.
Never thoughtlessly encroach on another's territory.
Set an example for the staff in environmental behaviour.
Run meetings efficiently and never call one unless it is absolutely necessary.
Be an excellent meeting participant: pay attention to the agenda, refrain from time wasting and adhere to the chairperson's requests.
Motivate team members in all aspects of their work and their life.
Make certain every team member is in the best possible environment, with proper ventilation, lighting, seating, sound and desk efficiency.
Be a consummate personal note writer - to thank, encourage, console, inspire or apologise to someone.
Go out of your way, creatively, to help colleagues or friends who are in trouble.
Alway return borrowed property promptly and in good condition.
Discourage hurtful rumours and play a defence role when it comes to gossip.
Dress appropriately for any occasion to reflect well on the company.
Be socially astute: answer all invitations promptly and attend any function on time and properly dressed.
Do not boast about invitations that others in the office have not received, nor discuss the event in excess after it has occurred to limit effect on team moral.
Be a considerate host, always mindful of your guests' comfort.
Be a considerate guest - keep your eye open and help when it is needed.
Be generous with your time and resources.
Know protocol, adhere by its rules and understand the deference of people’s position.
Respect cultural diversity.
Give compliments to others and receive them graciously.
Have excellent telephone, cellular phone, E-mail, beeper and fax manners.
Encourage team members to better their lives, to further educate themselves and strive to be qualified for a higher level job.
Motivate employees, by example and support, inspire them to support and enjoy their area's cultural offerings.
Show compassion for all team members and offer assistance to help solve problems with an imaginative use of the programs or counselling services offered by the company.
Understand when communicating, some people have stronger skills in written explanations, while others do better with oral ones – where possible allow team members to use whatever format they feel most comfortable with.
Utilise every team member’s skills to their fullest potential.
Give team members ample opportunity to ventilate complaints or make recommendations.
Make each team member feel really important to the company, and constantly challenge them to do more.
Coach team members on how to ask questions of customers, and how to answer customer inquiries. Play the devil's advocate; prepare all staff for a rude and hostile public.
Be prepared to assist team members with difficult customers.
Criticise people only in private and make sure you have good reason to condemn.
Help team members to know exactly what they have done that is wrong - use all your communication skills to reassure the individual they are still of great value to the company, that everyone believes in that employee and that they should continue to work creatively and take risks, not just work gingerly for fear of making an error.
Have a sense of humour, be kind, be gentle and compassionate.
