Good Etiquette Helps Careers on Holidays and Every Day

Don't be surprised if some co-workers act witchy this week-after all, Wednesday is Halloween. But if you're meeting clients, you may want to take off the big red nose first, says Barbara Pachter, president of Pachter & Associates, a Cherry Hill-based firm that consults companies on business communications. Pachter is the author of "New Rules @ Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead." She spoke with NJBIZ Staff Writer Thomas Gaudio about how behavior such as getting drunk at office parties and not greeting co-workers can stymie your career goals-during the holidays and every day.

NJBIZ: Should people come to work in costume on Halloween?

Pachter: You can, but dress cautiously. You don't want to be the only one showing up in costume. Know what people are going to be doing. If you're meeting customers, dressing up really isn't appropriate. Are you going to negotiate a million-do liar deal in a Mickey Mouse costume? Save it for the company party that night.

There was a pharmaceutical sales rep who dressed up as the Grim Reaper and went into a hospital. I mean, my goodness! What was he thinking? People don't stop to think about how others will view their actions.

NJBIZ: With the holiday season coming up, what should people keep in mind when in the company of co-workers?

Pachter: The first thing for people to remember is that it is still work. Whether going to the office or a work party, it's still business. How you behave yourself can affect your career.

NJBIZ: How?

Pachter: One man got so drunk at the holiday party, he cursed out his boss, got fired on the spot and couldn't understand why his badge didn't work the following Monday. He had gotten fired and had no recollection of it.

NJBIZ: What if the boss is drinking and wants you to join in?

Pachter: You want to participate. You just don't want to make a fool of yourself. Have a drink-just make sure you dilute it and take small sips. Or just order ginger ale or tomato juice. People don't always know what's in there. A friend told me he would order a drink that he didn't like on purpose and then sip it all night.

NJBIZ: What do you recommend when eating out with co-workers, clients, etc.?

Pachter: The key point about eating out in terms of business is that you're not there for food although you may need to eat. So when people make that shift in their head, everything is much easier. I tell people to always eat a little something before you go to a business event because if the food's delayed, it's hard to be polite. If you have a drink, you'll feel it more if you don't have anything in your stomach. Order what you know how to eat, what you like to eat and what's easy to eat. Don't order French onion soup, lobster, a big juicy hamburger. That's just way too messy.

NJBIZ: What are some basic rules of office etiquette that people forget?

Pachter: You should be making sure you greet and acknowledge people. It sounds so simple but people don't do it.

They need to say 'hello' and 'good morning' when they're walking down the hall, to people they know and don't know.

NJBIZ: What are the effects of poor office etiquette?

Pachter: People like doing business with people who acknowledge them, who are friendly, who are helpful. When you're not, it can come back to bite you.

NJBIZ: Should workers attend every social gathering at the office?

Pachter: By and large you want to be a team player. You want to participate. There's no reason not to. You don't have to stay the whole time, but you work with these people. A little bit of socializing can help you get your work done.

NJBIZ: In your book you talk about celebrating holidays smartly. What does that mean?

Pachter: Know what your company's unwritten and written policies are. Is it acceptable to accept gifts from vendors? Can you decorate your office? Some companies allow it, some don't.

Generally it's best to steer clear of religious decorations.

NJBIZ: Do you recommend trying to be funny at work?

Pachter: Tread very carefully. Humor can add a lot to your conversations or you can bomb badly.

NJBIZ: Is etiquette something lacking more in younger workers?

Pachter: I see it equally across the board. But I will tell you when I teach etiquette to new college hires, that's a tough audience. They think, "Well, they hired me for me."

Two years later when I go back and I'm basically teaching the same group, now they're listening and telling me, "Why didn't you tell me this stuff sooner?"

I did but you just weren't ready to hear it.

Copyright Journal Publications Inc. Oct 29, 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved