Map your etiquette

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE is an essential soft skill; you need to be aware of your behaviour affects others and the possible damage you may have on valuable relationships that may play a role in your future, or relationships in an organisation or outside of it.

Good manners and social graces are learnt skills. A little effort and professionalism won’t hurt anyone. In fact it can be used to your advantage, no matter your level, whether you are a college/university student or the highest-ranking executive.

To excel in today’s competitive world of business, you have to be prepared and know how to play the game. We take so much for granted at times, and common sense is not so common these days.

Etiquette is a set of rules and guidelines that will make your professional and personal relationships more productive, meaningful and successful.

TEST QUESTIONS

Here is a multiple-choice question test to see how well you do in etiquette. 1. In the business arena: a. Both men and women should stand for handshaking and all introductions? b. Only men should stand for handshakes and all introductions. c. Only women should stand for handshakes and all introductions. d. It is not necessary for men or women to stand for hand shaking or introductions. 2. In the business arena. It is necessary for a man: a. To pull the chair out for a

woman. b. To stand when a woman

leaves the table. c. To pay for a woman’s meal. d. All the above. e. None of the above. 3. For easy reading, one’s name badge should be worn a. On the left shoulder. b. On the right shoulder. c. On the left hip. d. Around one’s neck. 4. When dining out on business the first thing to do once you are seated is: a. Read the menu. b. Place your napkin on your

lap. c. Give your business cards out. d. None of the above. 5. When making a business introduction, you: a. Wing it. b. Introduce the senior to the

junior. c. Introduce the junior to the

senior. d. Don’t do anything and allow them to introduce themselves as it’s their responsibility. 6. After a business meeting with: a client or customer, you a. Give her a handshake and big hug and say you can’t wait to see her again. b. Accompany her to the

elevator or reception area. c. Tell her you will be in touch and send her a follow up email. 7. When expressing thanks to someone who has given you a gift, you: a. Send an email because it’s

the fastest way. b. Send a handwritten note. c. Give them a phone call

within three days. d. Consider a verbal thank

you good enough. 8. You are about to go into your job interview: a. You quickly sit to look

efficient. b. You hand them your

resume/CV. c. You ask to be seated. d. Hand them your resume

and sit. 9. When you are dining with someone important and your cell phone rings, you: a. Answer it within two rings

and keep the call brief. b. Ignore it and pretend it’s

someone else’s phone. c. Apologies and turn the phone on silent mode. The person you are with takes priority d. Apologise and step away from the table and take the call in a private area. 10. When dining out and the person to your left takes your bread role plate, you: a. Take the person to your

right plate instead. b. Do without your bread roll and convince yourself that you don’t need it. c. Point it out to the person so

they know better next time. d. Excuse yourself and leave. e. Take a bread roll and place

it on your dinner plate. 11. When you are a guest at a dinner party and the host makes a toast in your Honour, you: a. Show your appreciation by picking up your glass and drinking to yourself. b. Leave your glass on the table

and don’t drink to yourself. c. Get embarrassed and tell your host you don’t deserve the recognition. d. Don’t drink because it’s not

your drink of choice. 12. When you finish eating, your napkin should be: a. Folded loosely and placed

on the right side of the plate. b. Folded loosely and placed

on the left side of the plate. c. Folded loosely and placed

on the centre of the plate. d. Folded back into its original form and placed on your chair. 13. When you are sending emails out, you: a. Always have an opening

and ending. b. Put something in the

subject line. c. Ensure that it’s correct and

to the point. d. All of the above. e. None of the above. 14. When you meet the Prime Minister or President, you should greet him or her, as: a. Your Excellency. b. Your Honour. c. Prime Minister/President. d. Sir. e. None of the above. 15. If you have a morsel of food

lodged in your teeth and you want to remove it, you: a. Take your knife when no one is looking and remove it quickly. b. Use your napkin to hide

your mouth and remove it. c. Politely ask the server for a

toothpick. d. Excuse yourself and go to

the restroom to remove it. 16. When introducing yourself, you use: a. Miss/Mrs. Or Mr Followed

by your last name? b. Miss/Mrs./Mr Followed by

your first and last name. c. First and last name only. d. First name only. 17. When presenting a gift/business card or award to someone in business, you: a. Present the gift in your left

hand below the handshake. b. Present the gift in your left

hand above the handshake. c. Present the gift without a

handshake. d. Present the gift with a kiss.

ANSWERS

1. A 2.E 3.B 4. B 5. C 6. B 7.B 8. C 9. C 10. B 11. B 12. B 13. D 14. C 15. D 16. C 17. B