Have you ever thought about what seemingly small things and subtle nuances can sometimes affect a career and ruin the reputation of even an intelligent specialist? One of these subtle but extremely important nuances is the etiquette of modern business correspondence.
On how skillfully you communicate with colleagues, and most importantly – partners and customers, not only your personal reputation depends, but also the reputation of the entire company. And now we are not only talking about elementary literacy. About how to become a guru of business correspondence and not talk too much in office dialogues – read the article estet-portal.com.
Rules of business correspondence and communication in work chats, on which reputation depends
Even in today's hectic world rules of etiquette remain a necessity for any business person.
Do you think that business correspondence – is it easier than simple? And if we say that many employees, even in dealing with colleagues, without noticing it themselves, make gross mistakes? What can we say about dialogues with potential partners, which sometimes look like walking on thin ice.
We have compiled a rating of the most gross and frequent mistakes in written business communication, after which the reputation of even the most experienced professional can be shaken.
Mistake #1: Posting after hours
This mistake is extremely rarely made in dealing with partners, but in relations with colleagues – all the way around. But this is a sign of extreme disrespect for personal space and the right to rest of another person.
Just imagine: after a hard day at work (or even better on the weekend) at 11 pm you are thrilled in the arms of your loved one, watching a movie with one eye and drinking tea. And then suddenly the native smartphone begins to burst from the squealing messenger or viber. You spill your tea in surprise, panic that something has happened and grab your phone. And it turns out that your employee decided not to put it off until later (“What if I forget until tomorrow / until Monday”) and scribbles about some problem / breakdown that does not require an urgent solution at all and can wait. And definitely not worth ruining the evening.
We hope you don't recognize yourself in this sketch. And if you find out, then finally stop turning the lives of your colleagues into hell – do not write on work topics in the evenings and on weekends!
Mistake #2: being overly familiar
Excessive and inappropriate familiarity has ruined many promising careers.
The point here is not only the lack of proper education, but also the bad influence of social networks, which have turned the whole world into one big village, in which all users are "friends" to each other.
If you think that addressing "You" in business correspondence – this is a relic of the conservative era (especially if your counterpart is your age or status), we dare to disappoint you. It was, is and will be the basis, alpha and omega of business etiquette, in particular – correspondence.
Of course, you shouldn't write high-flown "You"; a colleague from a neighboring department with whom you go to lunch together. However, refrain from "poking" (and, by the way, from inappropriate emoticons and emoji too) in communication with the rest. Especially with clients and partners.
Mistake #3: Excessive politeness and floridity of syllable
You probably now thought that the third paragraph is a bit contrary to the second. We hasten to dissuade you: even politeness has its limit.
Any courtesy and intelligence should find its limit where the influence of the most valuable business resource – time. Do not take valuable time from yourself or your pen pal – do not delay the exchange of pleasantries!
Try to write clearly and to the point, getting to the point of the letter or message as soon as possible. If you clearly and concisely state your goals, adding to them the basic concepts of politeness ("thank you", "please" and an appeal to "You", then you will not let your counterpart doubt his upbringing, but at the same time you will not make him spend an extra 5 minutes to re-read the meaningless and ornate verbal garbage.
Mistake #4: Communicating too informally with colleagues
First of all, it implies non-observance of the confidentiality of official information discussed in group chats of employees.
Remember like twice two: no matter how you and your colleagues in the department trust each other, discuss secret topics only offline and behind closed doors. Because information leaks happen from time to time even in the CIA, but the consequences of this will then be dealt with by you and your colleagues – and it's good if it costs only dismissal for violation of the employment contract.
There are other "little things" at this point:
- Gossip behind the back of a colleague in the smoking room (here it is already clear what the situation can result in).
- Discussion of a sexual employee (employee) from another department (you came to the company to work, and not arrange your intimate life, right?).
- Discussion with colleagues of your proposal for a new job (until you finally decide to accept the job offer, no one should know about it, otherwise the current boss may make a decision himself before you).
Finally, we also advise you to permanently exclude from your business speech such phrases as "It's urgent!!!" (exactly in this form – with a bunch of exclamation marks), "Stupid question, but" hellip; (do not belittle your dignity) and "Hi" (no, just a categorical no).
We hope this article will help you rethink your business communication habits so that nothing stands in the way of your career growth. Good luck with your business correspondence!
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