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It takes two to Tango
By Maureen Costello and Christina Ong, featured in Straits Times, Recruit
People often forget that professional interaction requires personal courtesies. Here are some tips on commonly ignored business courtesies: |
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* The telephone and mobile phone are fast and convenient ways to contact people. If the caller is unavailable, leave a clear message. State the purpose and time of your call. Don't forget to say who you are and how you can be contacted. Answer any questions that were posed to you in pervious conversation, so you can move on to the next level of communication. |
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* Yes, your mobile phone makes you accessible, but remember to turn it off in a meeting and during business lunches and dinners. Otherwise, it will appear that answering your calls is more important to you than the person you are with. |
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* Those in customer service, listen up! Never ask customers to return your call if they are unable to answer the first time. It's better to leave a message saying that you rang, and when you will call back again. |
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* If you have asked a company to submit a proposal, follow up by letting them know whether they have secured or lost the business opportunity with your company. If possible, explain why, so that they can give you a more suitable offer the next time. |
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* There are only eight to 10 hours in a working day. If you cannot keep an appointment with someone, make sure you give advance notice of at least 24 hours. If you are due to attend a meeting, be there on time so that no one's business schedule is disrupted. Being late without a good reason indicates that you feel your time is more valuable than theirs. |
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* Many languages are spoken in Singapore that not everyone can understand. So be sensitive to those around you and try to converse in a language that everyone in the meeting room is familiar with. |
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* Everyone loves a party, but RSVPs are often ignored. Imagine if you're hosting a function without knowing the number of guests to cater for. So be considerate. Once you're received an invitation, make a decision and inform the host. It's courteous to mention whether you're coming with or without your partner, if he or she has also been invited. |
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