Professional Etiquette Tips

It's easy to gripe about managers and write off projects, teams, environments to having poor culture because of leadership.   Yet, there is also an equally important aspect: the 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗯𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗿'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 and accountability that contributes to 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.   Whilst leaders set the culture tone, individuals have a role to play.   Here are some 𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲 that I could think of, that contribute to high respect team culture; let me know in comments if you can think of some more:  𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀 Yes, No, Tentative - don't leave people guessing. 𝟮. 𝗕𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 Punctuality shows respect for others' time and helps everyone stay focused 𝟯. 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 Phones down, get off the outlook or teams or slack channels. 𝟰. 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘆 If you don't understand, ask questions to ensure you know what you need to do 𝟱. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆 Running late? Can't deliver? Blocked somewhere on the chain? Speak up so you don't cause last minute angst. 𝟲. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Delivery on what you say, or renegotiate timelines - it's such a let down when you let things slip - number one way to break trust. 𝟳. 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘀 Feeling annoyed? Don't send that ping or email. Step away. Believe me, this is a good strategy. But also, re-read your message to make sure to make it respectful. 𝟴. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗱𝘆 Virtual or physical, a clean space signals professionalism 𝟵. 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀' 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Where someone helped you to get to a solution, or provided information, or worked with you - thank them, give credit, and acknowledge them. Recognition builds trust and goodwill. 𝟏𝟎. 𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝 𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐩 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐚 - 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 Culture is shaped in every conversation - dismiss the saucy drama and vilification and stay on the positive. When these basic workplace hygiene factors become second nature, trust builds. Collaboration thrives. And performance follows. Culture - no ONE person owns it - individuals drive it. #workplaceEtiquette #HighPerformance #TeamCulture #FutureOfWork

Advancing in your career isn’t just about what you know—it’s about how you share it. Ready to see how communication can unlock your next career move? In the workplace, how you communicate leaves a lasting impression. When you communicate clearly, professionally, and consistently, you build trust, reliability, and a reputation as someone people can count on. Here are 5 simple ways to make sure your communication helps you stand out: 1- Share regular updates: Let your team know what’s happening, even if they don’t ask. For example, if you’re managing a project, send a weekly email like, “This week, we finalized the creative concept and are moving into production. Let me know if there’s feedback by Friday.” Regular updates show you’re on top of things. 2- Acknowledge requests quickly: Even if you can’t respond in full right away, let the person know you’ve seen their message. For instance, “Got it! I’ll dig into this and get back to you by tomorrow.” It shows you’re reliable and prevents unnecessary follow-ups. 3 - Be clear and to the point: Avoid vague or overly long messages. Try something like, “Tomorrow’s meeting will cover three things: (1) Budget updates, (2) Timeline changes, and (3) Next steps. Please come with any questions on the timeline.” Clarity saves everyone time. 4 - Follow through or give a heads-up if you can’t: If a deadline slips, let people know early. For example, “I’m making great progress on the draft but need an extra day to refine it. I’ll have it to you by Monday—thanks for your patience!” Being transparent builds trust. 5 - Ask for feedback: After a presentation or meeting, ask someone you trust, “Did my key points come through clearly? Anything I could do better next time?” Feedback helps you grow and shows you care about improving. Consistent communication isn’t just about keeping people informed—it’s about building trust and showing professionalism every step of the way. Which of these tips do you find most helpful? Or do you have others to add?

Conference etiquette. I shouldn’t have to say these things, but as NRF has reminded me, I do. When you’re waiting to meet someone and they’re having a discussion with someone else - don’t crowd them. Stand out of eyesight and patiently wait your turn. I promise you, they know they’re running late and they see you Put your mobile # in calendar invites. Plans change. It’s way easier to text someone “Hey I’ll be five minutes late” vs rely on email Gentlemen - wear clothes that are professional and that fit. When you show up in a 20 year old suit that’s now two sizes too large, everybody notices. Tailoring is cheap. Do it Remember that the conference doesn’t end until you’re in your car at your home airport. You wouldn’t believe the discussions I’ve overheard while traveling Gentlemen - if you can, stand up to shake someone’s hand. Eye to eye. And don’t let your hand go limp Ladies - visibly put out your hand if you want a handshake rather than a hug. Men can't tell and things can get awkward Always say “Nice to see you” rather than “Nice to meet you.” Doing so avoids an awkward “We met 7 years ago for 30 seconds, don’t you remember me??” When you ask to meet with someone - tell them why up front “How’s the show?” or the eternal “How was the flight in?” are lazy icebreakers. Be more creative Don’t mingle with your colleagues at events - you’re there to acquire customers and build partnerships. Go introduce yourself to a stranger. Keep moving When you’re talking to a stranger at an event and you find there isn’t a mutual personal or business interest - politely move along. It’s not rude When you say hello to someone you don’t know well - provide context. “I’m [name] and we met when I worked at [company]. We last met in [city] at [event].” I meet thousands of people in a year. People look familiar but I need a little context if it’s been a while Have your badge clearly visible and flipped the right way. So many people have their badges tucked in and they then become useless for identifying you - their primary purpose There’s a very fine line between social drinking (good) and being drunk (very bad). In a professional context, stop drinking long before you normally would. Everyone watches how much you drink. You may think you’re the life of the party, but you may have easily crossed into unprofessional territory without realizing it. You don’t want to develop a reputation Stay at a hotel where your colleagues are not staying. Walls between hotel rooms can be paper thin. In years past I’ve heard colleagues say and do things I wish I hadn’t If you’re pitching me your product, tell me WTF it actually does. Concisely and without marketing gibberish Don’t butt into other people’s discussions. Even close friends. Let them pull you in if they want At the end of the evening, spend 10 minutes and do a brain dump of everything from the day. You think you’ll remember everything at the end of the event - you won’t

Your reputation rarely dies in big moments.  It fades quietly in the everyday ones you ignore.  Most professionals obsess over big projects,   while missing the small, human cues that build trust over time.  Your credibility is built slowly,   then lost in a heartbeat.  🚨 10 subtle mistakes that quietly kill your professional reputation:  1) How You Treat Support Staff   ↳ Dismissing them reveals entitlement.   ↳ Appreciation reveals leadership.  2) How You React to Feedback   ↳ Defensiveness shuts doors.   ↳ Curiosity opens them.  3) The Way You Handle Small Promises   ↳ “I’ll send it tomorrow” means nothing if you don’t.   ↳ Consistency creates confidence.  4) How You Listen When Others Speak   ↳ Waiting to reply signals ego.   ↳ Listening to understand builds influence.  5) The Words You Choose Under Pressure   ↳ “I’m fine” hides avoidance.   ↳ “Here’s what I need” earns respect.  6) Your Willingness to Admit Mistakes   ↳ Excuses protect pride, not progress.   ↳ Ownership accelerates growth.  7) Your Energy in the Room   ↳ Drained attention drains others.   ↳ Grounded presence raises everyone.  8) The Silence You Allow in Meetings   ↳ Filling every pause screams insecurity.   ↳ Comfort in quiet signals authority.  9) How You Celebrate Others’ Wins   ↳ Comparison breeds resentment.   ↳ Recognition breeds loyalty.  10) The Way You End Conversations   ↳ Rushing off says “you’re not important.”   ↳ Eye contact and closure say “you matter.”  Your presence speaks louder than your title.   Every micro-interaction compounds trust or erodes it.  Which habit will you upgrade first?  ♻️ Please repost to promote mindful leadership and everyday presence.   🙂 Follow Marco Franzoni for more.

How to Succeed as a New Professional in Any Field Starting a new job or internship in a professional environment is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and make a great impression. Recently, I spoke with law students, and new grads about how to be successful. Here are some practical tips to help you thrive in your new role and set yourself apart: ◾ Have a Positive Attitude. Approach every task with enthusiasm and demonstrate a can-do spirit. Positivity is contagious and leaves a lasting impression. ◾ Be a Problem Solver. Employers value individuals who can think critically and proactively address challenges. Aim to be part of the solution, not just an observer. ◾ Be Pleasant and Courteous. Treat everyone—colleagues, clients, and support staff—with kindness and respect. Building goodwill is invaluable in the workplace. ◾ Build Relationships. Get to know your colleagues, supervisors, and clients. Show genuine interest in others and foster strong professional connections. ◾ Communicate and Be Reliable. Always let people know where you are, and never miss meetings or deadlines. Reliability builds trust. ◾ Double Check Your Work. Accuracy is critical. Review your work carefully to avoid careless mistakes that can undermine your credibility. ◾ Clarify Assignments. Ensure you fully understand the expectations for each task, including format, deadlines, and scope. ◾ Go Above and Beyond. Don’t just meet expectations—exceed them. Ask, “What more can I assist with today?” to demonstrate initiative. ◾ Embrace Feedback. Feedback is essential for growth. Accept it graciously, and if you’re not receiving it, request it regularly. ◾ Own What You Don’t Know. If you’re unsure of something, admit it, and commit to finding the answer. Integrity and follow-through are key. ◾ Be Punctual and Present. Arrive early, stay late, and make the most of your time. Your presence and dedication will not go unnoticed. ◾ Strike the Right Balance. Be friendly and approachable, but maintain professionalism at all times. ◾ Dress the Part. Invest in a professional wardrobe. Your appearance speaks volumes about your readiness for the role. ◾ Offer Ideas and Suggestions. Share your insights when appropriate. Thoughtful contributions show that you’re engaged and thinking critically. ◾ Respectfully Disagree When Necessary. Healthy, respectful debates can lead to better outcomes. Avoid being a sycophant—your genuine perspective matters. ◾ Communicate Proactively. Keep your boss and team members informed. Never forward an email without context; summarize the key points and add your perspective. ◾ Handle Calls with Care. Don’t transfer callers to voicemail without more attention. Taking responsibility reflects professionalism and teamwork. Starting strong in your new role leads to long-term success. By embodying these principles, you’ll not only excel but also earn the respect of your colleagues and supervisors. Here's to your success in this exciting new chapter!

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗗𝗼'𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁𝘀 𝐃𝐨'𝐬 1- Structure Commence your correspondence with an appropriate salutation, such as "Dear Dr. [Last Name]," "Ms. [Last Name]," "Mr. [Last Name]," or "Mrs. [Last Name]." Next, express a courteous opening remark, for instance, "I hope this message finds you well." Proceed by introducing yourself and articulating the objective of your communication. Conclude the message with a polite closing statement, such as "Have a great rest of your day," followed by "Best Regards," and include your title and contact information. 2-. Be Clear and Concise: - Stay on topic and keep your message straightforward. - Use short paragraphs and bullet points where appropriate for readability. 3. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling: - Proofread your message to correct errors. 4. Maintain a Professional Tone: - Use courteous and respectful language. 5- Include a Clear Subject Line: - Ensure your email subject line is descriptive and relevant. - This helps the recipient prioritize and understand the topic at a glance. 6. Use Professional Formatting: - Use standard fonts, sizes, and spacing. - Include a signature with your contact information at the end of emails. 7. Follow Up Appropriately: - Send reminders if no response is received within a reasonable time. - Refer to the original message in follow-ups to maintain context. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭𝐬: 1. Avoid Informal Language and Jargon: - Exclude slang, emojis, and overly casual phrasings. - Avoid technical jargon unless you are sure the recipient understands. 2. Don’t Use All Caps or Excessive Punctuation: - Using all caps can be perceived as shouting. - Multiple exclamation points or question marks can seem unprofessional. 3. Avoid Overloading with Information: - Don’t include unnecessary details that might confuse the primary message. - Be selective about what information is crucial. 4. Don’t Make Assumptions: - Avoid assuming the recipient knows background details unless you’re certain. - Don’t presume understanding of technical terms without explanation. 5. Avoid Being Overly Familiar: - Steer clear of overly personal comments unless you have a well-established, appropriate relationship. - Maintain a polite and respectful distance in your language. 6. Don’t Send without Review: - Never send an email or document without reading it over first. - Mistakes can undermine your professionalism and clarity. 7. Avoid Negative Language: - Don’t be confrontational or use negative phrases. - Frame constructive criticism positively and offer solutions. 8. Don’t Forget Attachments or Links: - Ensure any mentioned attachments or links are included. - Verify that all links work correctly before sending.

10 Tips to Stand Out as a Professional--Execute with Excellence! Excellence isn’t just about showing up—it’s about following through, delivering on time, and consistently exceeding expectations. If you want to stand out, here are 10 ways: 1. Honor Your Commitments Don’t overpromise and underdeliver. Instead, commit to what you can realistically achieve and say, “You can count on this by [specific time].” 2. Be Solution-Oriented When challenges arise, don’t dwell on the problem. Respond with, “Here’s the issue, and this is how I plan to solve it.” 3. Communicate Updates Before Being Asked Don’t wait for someone to follow up. Say, “Here’s where we are, and this is what’s coming next,” to demonstrate accountability. 4. Respond Promptly Acknowledge requests quickly, even if you need time to complete them: “Got it! I’ll follow up by [specific time].” Timeliness keeps momentum going. 5. Deliver Quality, Not Just Quantity Go beyond the minimum. Add value with a note like, “Here’s the report you requested, and I’ve included insights to help with decision-making.” 6. Respect Others’ Time When scheduling meetings, suggest specific times: “Would you be available on [date] at [time]?” It shows you value efficiency. For meetings or emails, be clear and concise. Say, “Let’s cover this in 15 minutes,” and stick to it. 7. Follow Through Without Reminders Stand out by doing what you said you’d do—without anyone chasing you. Let your actions speak louder than promises. 8. Take Ownership If something goes wrong, own it: “I missed that detail. Here’s how I’m addressing it to ensure it doesn’t happen again.” Accountability builds credibility. 9. Be a Reliable Resource When people count on you, deliver. Whether it’s providing information, solving problems, or offering assistance, reliability builds your reputation. 10. Close the Loop After completing a task, follow up: “This has been completed as requested. Let me know if there’s anything else needed.” It shows reliability and professionalism. Execution with excellence means doing what you say you’ll do—and then some. Consistency, timeliness, and quality will always set you apart.

I wrote this when my kids were still in school. Now that they’re starting internships and careers, it felt like the right time to revisit it — and I’d encourage you to share it with your own kids. The workplace isn’t what it used to be. Many young professionals are logging at home, missing the small daily moments that build careers. But no matter how much the world changes, a few basics will always matter: Be on time. Anthony Bourdain was 20 minutes early to everything. It’s about respect — being late tells people you value your time more than theirs. Not a good look. Follow through Being a professional means that people can rely on you, and the way that they come to rely on you is if you have a proven track record of doing what you say you’re gonna do.  Reliability is your most valuable asset. Don’t burn bridges. There is no upside to burning bridges and the person you abhor today could very well be the key to that job you want down the line. Be kind. You will cross paths again. Dress for the job you want Sure, you live on zoom calls right now and think it’s perfectly acceptable to show up in sweats. It’s not. If you are looking to move ahead in the world, how you present yourself goes a long way - whether in person or staring at a screen. Keep your space clean. A clean workplace shows me that you are organized and can be counted on.It signals organization and pride. Bring positive energy. Nobody wants to work with a downer. People who keep a positive attitude regardless of the task, and are the kind of people you want on your team. Send thank-you notes. (see my last post) Go above and beyond. Take each task, whether big or small is an opportunity and look for opportunities to do more than what is required. Pretty soon you’ll find that you are getting more of the work that you want. That’s how you grow. Work Is work. Be a professional. Take pride in whatever you do, be a pro, and set yourself up for long-term success.

A young professional reached out to me on LinkedIn, asking for advice on what to watch out for in the workplace as he was about to start a new job. This question got me thinking about the unwritten rules that exist in the corporate world – the things you won't find in your job description or HR policy but are crucial to your success.   Here is a list of the do's and don'ts that have worked for various professionals:   The Dos: 1. Stay curious and never stop learning. The corporate world constantly evolves, and those who adapt and grow will thrive. 2. Network and build genuine relationships with colleagues, superiors, and industry peers. Your network is your net worth. 3. Create boundaries with colleagues and maintain a healthy work-life balance. You've got to figure out how to balance being friendly with your coworkers and keeping some distance. 4. Every workplace has its own unique culture. Be observant and adapt to it while remaining true to your core values. 5. How you dress is how you'll be addressed. Dress professionally for your role and the company culture. 6. Always be punctual for meetings, come prepared, and participate. Your behavior in meetings reflects your professionalism.   The Don'ts:   1. Never outshine your boss. Support their success, and it will often come back to you. 2. It's generally best to avoid dating colleagues. Office romances can create uncomfortable situations and distractions. 3. Working excess hours doesn't guarantee promotions or salary increases. Focus on efficiency and results, not just hours. 4. Office gossip and politics will only land you in BIG trouble. Don’t participate, but also don’t ignore these politics. 5. No one has your back; everyone is at work to make a living and probably get a promotion. 6. It's tempting to say 'yes' to everything, but managing expectations and consistently meeting or exceeding them is better. 7. Don't shy away from visibility. It often translates to opportunity. Make your contributions known by speaking up in meetings, volunteering for high-impact projects, and sharing your achievements.   Have you ever encountered an unwritten rule that took you by surprise? Share them in the comments below!   #CorporateWorld #CareerAdvice #LinkedInCommunity #SuccessTips