In an effort to communicate more effectively in public forums, I recently worked with speaking professional Marjorie Brody, a nationally recognized trainer to many Fortune 1000 companies.
I benefited greatly from her coaching and advice and thought it would be great if she would extend some of her knowledge to my friends at Active Rain. I asked her to do a guest commentary on my blog, to which she graciously agreed, offering a three part series on The Etiquette of How We Communicate, including the forward below. Enjoy!
The Etiquette of How We Communicate
by Marjorie Brody, CSP, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame
Business etiquette in the 1960s and ‘70s closely mirrored the social etiquette that most Baby Boomers learned growing up. It was based on the principles of logic, kindness and efficiency -- back in the day of men being expected to hold doors for their female counterparts and less women in the workplace.
With increasing numbers of Generation X'ers and Y'ers calling the shots in lower and middle management roles, more female professionals, and constant advances in business technologies, and more Millennials entering the workforce, the old ways of looking at business behavior just won't cut it anymore.
There's no denying that people realize it makes good business sense to have proper business etiquette. But, just because Americans are seemingly aware of the importance of professionalism in the workplace, doesn't mean we practice what we preach. Every day I hear more horror stories about business deals gone bad, clients lost, promotions squandered - all due to poor business manners and other etiquette gaffes.
Although not rocket science or technically exciting, common courtesies do make a difference in our daily communications, affecting the relationships we create and the impressions we make.
This feature will address three business-related areas of manners to remember when it comes to communicating:
Part 1 - communication technologies(iPods, cell phones, e-mail, voice mail and speakerphone)
Part 2 - professional appearance (wardrobe and grooming)
Part 3 - dining etiquette (table manners and other aspects of navigating a business meal)
Marjorie Brody, CSP, CPAE, CMC, PCC, is an author, sought-after public speaker, and coach to Fortune 1,000 executives. She is a global authority in helping successful business leaders identify and enhance their strategies and skills for career success. Marjorie's commentary on workplace/career issues is regularly featured on TV and radio shows, and in newspapers and magazines. Marjorie has had the privilege of serving diverse clients such as Microsoft, Pfizer, New York Life Insurance Company, Johnson & Johnson, The Institute of Internal Auditors, Society for Human Resource Management, Executive Women International, and GlaxoSmithKline. To contact Marjorie or book her as a speaker, trainer or coach, call 800-726-7936, or visit http://www.marjoriebrody.com/ for more information.
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