Here come another post about professional work, which we tend to overlook. Trust me, if you find yourself missing anyone of these etiquettes, you’re not alone! I have learned these the hard way myself. So let’s find out how this knowledge will benefit your next dealings.
- Always say “Please” and “Thank you”
These expressions may sound vulnerable to some of you. Yet, they actually imply “kindness” and “respect”, to dilute a stressful situation and a tense or rigid nature of the other party. Yet, I suggest you mean what you say or do not simply sound sweet on the surface!
- Don’t interrupt.
How many times do you wish to cut off a person’s speech just to prove yourself right? As a matter of fact, if you learn to see the argument from another person’s perspective, that will help you empathize with them. You may not be converted to think like that. At least, you’re willing to give them space. And at most, you’ll stand a high chance to be heard in turn!
- Watch your language.
Have you ever felt that sometimes, you speak the same language, but you don’t understand each other? Here, it means the register or level of our jargon towards an acquaintance. I once met a school officer and socialized with him as if I knew him for ages. Then, he couldn’t help but tell my friend about how awkward he felt about such unexpected socialization!
- Double check before you hit send.
Oh yeah, this etiquette rather matches our written communication, mainly by email. Unlike instant messages, once sent, we could hardly retrieve it. That’s why it works better to “compose” an email when you feel relaxed and afford the time to review it. Of course, spellings and meanings work hand in hand so your content can be fully and properly grasped.
- Don’t walk into someone’s office unannounced.
This is a no-no in Western culture. We Cambodians or even Asians tend to make surprise visits as to look caring about our friends or colleagues. Yet, at a “modern” workplace, one tends to value their privacy over unexpected calls. So it would do you no harm just asking them if you can visit them at such and such a time. In some cases, you even need to schedule a phone call at the agreed-on slot by the other party.
- Don’t gossip.
As this famous quote goes, “Great minds discuss ideas. Good mind discuss situations. Mediocre minds discuss people.” I understand that gossips have become a natural instinct of our lives. Yet, if you want to avoid being “gossiped about” back, try to keep yourself from such habits! Instead, either spend time figuring out how to improve yourself or how to deal with your co-workers in question.
Simply put, these etiquettes should serve as “effective communication tools” at workplace. Therefore, every time you deal with your colleagues, review these tips and think before you at! Well-thought gestures can leave long-lasting impressions to people around you 🙂
PS: My next post will cover my experience in Chaktomuk Short Film Festival X-Edition!