Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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Business Etiquette: Success in the Office is as Easy as PIE

14 Oct 2010 By: Diane Gottsman

Whether you are a recent college grad or starting on your second (or third) career, success in the office is as easy as P-I-E, Purposeful – Intentional – Effort.

  • Choose a career path that genuinely interests you. Although there are times when we must take a job to “pay the rent”, strive towards a career that will challenge you to get up every morning and put in the time and effort it takes to succeed.
  • Write it down on paper. If you are not where you want to be today, specifically outline what your ultimate job would look like and what you need to do to accomplish your goal. Begin with small steps and check them off your punch list as you move through the process.
  • Network. You don’t get the job if you are too shy or proud to ask for it. It’s important to get out and meet people who will be important conduits to your future success. Join groups, volunteer, or do an internship that would introduce you to the right people and skills.
  • The customer is always right. Yes, this is a cliché, but your customer is going to be your best advocate and keeping him happy should be your first priority. Your ultimate goal is to have your customer sing your praises to your boss and other potential clients. Third party recognition is the best compliment.
  • Use, do not abuse, technology. Be knowledgeable about the importance of social media, both the pros and cons. If your company is on Facebook or Twitter, familiarize yourself with their social media policy and follow it. Never, I repeat never, put anything on your personal social media pages that you wouldn’t want your mother or your boss to read.
  • Become an expert in your field. You have a better shot at job security when you are indispensable and the “go to” person for the rest of your office, customers and, of course, your boss.
  • Read, research, grow and teach. Learn everything you can about your interest. Continue to take classes and workshops that will further your skills and get you closer to your objectives and goals. When the opportunity presents itself, step out of your comfort zone and offer to teach a session at the next staff meeting or business luncheon.
  • Look the part. Every detail counts and if you want to be taken seriously, you must be a serious player in the executive world. Dress like a student and you will be viewed as a student. Dress like you don’t care and you will be treated accordingly. Dress with intention and others will treat you with respect.
  • Take a close look at the details. If your car is not organized or your desk is a mess, you are sending the message that you do not take pride in yourself which translates into the fact that you may not take pride in your work.

Remember, every detail matters.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.