At a recent business luncheon one of the guests blew his nose in his napkin. Another guest wore jeans and a sheer blouse. Are these appropriate business behaviors?
 
Do you practice such basic courtesies as returning messages promptly, and greeting people when they enter your office? Does your organization have uniform policies regarding emails, punctuality, and kitchen use?
 
Good manners are good business. Many potentially profitable alliances or promotional opportunities are lost because of unintentional bad manners. Second chances aren’t always possible.
 
Test your business etiquette
 
Which of the following demonstrate appropriate business etiquette?
 
1. Your boss, Ms. Andrews, enters the room when you’re meeting with a client, Mr. Block. You rise and say, “Ms. Andrews, I’d like you to meet Mr. Block, our Chicago client.
2. You answer the phone for a colleague and ask “Who’s calling please?”
3. In a restaurant, you drink thin soup served in a cup with no handles. 
4. The male pays when he’s having a business meeting at a restaurant with a female colleague.
5. When you greet a visitor in your office, you let him sit where he wishes.
6. You leave a luncheon meeting after two hours.
7. You’re scheduled to meet an associate for a working lunch. If she hasn’t arrived after 30 minutes, you order and eat.
8. Name tags should be placed on the right shoulder.
9. It’s acceptable to make sales pitches at networking functions.
10. It's appropriate to give business cards to everyone at business meetings.
11. It’s appropriate to take phone calls while in meetings.
12. It’s important to hold doors open for women.
13. It’s okay not to attend office parties.
14. It’s correct for women to extend their hands when greeting others.
15. At a business luncheon, I can eat and answer questions at the same time.
16. If I have a hot meal at a business dinner, I start eating before it gets cold.
17. If I get something stuck in my teeth at a business reception, I remove it with a toothpick.
18. I multitask while talking to a colleague.
19. It's appropriate to wear tattered jeans on casual work days.
 
Answers
1. Inappropriate. Introduce or name the more important person first.  In business, clients hold the highest authority.
 
The person of lesser importance, regardless of gender, is introduced to the person of greater importance. “Mr. Greater Authority (Mr. Block), I’d like to introduce Ms. Lesser Authority (Ms. Andrews).”
 
2. Inappropriate.  Asking “Who’s calling?” suggests calls are screened. To avoid insults, the person answering the phone could announce the individual's unavailability, then ask for the caller’s name and message.
 
To avoid screening, announce yourself at the beginning of calls. By stating your name, you’re sending a subliminal message that you have a right to speak to the person.
 
3. Inappropriate. Use the spoon provided.
 
4. Inappropriate. The person who benefits from the business association pays, regardless of gender. Clarify you’re hosting when extending invitations.
 
5. Inappropriate. Indicating where your guest should sit will make him feel more comfortable.
 
6. Appropriate. Allow two hours for business lunches. Start discussing business after the appetizer has been served.
 
7. Appropriate. Also, expect an apology.
 
8. Appropriate.  When shaking hands, your eyes follow the line of the arm to the person’s right side. By placing the tag on the right, you can read the name while shaking hands.
 
9. Inappropriate. You’ll be perceived as pushy, needy, insensitive, or inexperienced.
 
10. Inappropriate. Wait until you’ve established a reason to make further contact before exchanging cards. This enhances the value of the exchange.
 
11. Inappropriate. Taking calls while in a meeting is rude. It says others are more important than the person with whom you’re meeting.
 
12. Inappropriate. Business etiquette is based on hierarchy and power, unlike social etiquette which is based on gender and chivalry. 
 
Doors are held open for persons more senior in rank, regardless of gender. The person, who gets to the door first, holds it open for people following.
 
13. Inappropriate. Not attending shows disrespect.
 
14. Appropriate. A firm handshake made with direct eye contact sets the stage for a positive encounter.
 
15. Inappropriate. Never speak with food in your mouth, Take small bites so you can quickly finish and swallow the food before speaking. You may not have enough time to eat everything if you're asked many questions, but remember, you're meeting to discuss business.
 
16. Inappropriate. Don't begin eating until all meals are served and your host takes the first bite. If water is on the table, sip it after everyone is seated.
 
17. Inappropriate. Toothpicks should be used in private. If food gets stuck in your teeth try to remove it with your tongue. If this doesn't work, excuse your self and go to the restroom.
 
18. Inappropriate. If you are in a face-to-face conversation with someone, do not text, email, or answer calls.
 
19. Inappropriate. Casual is not sloppy. Your team needs to know what appropriate dress and ‘'business casual" mean at your organization. Ensure casual dress does not lead to a casual attitude.
 
Business manners can advance your career and enhance the reputation of your organization. Present yourself with confidence and authority. Consider others' feelings. Be courteous, respectful, and considerate to everyone. "Please" and "thank you" are still magic words.

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