Social Savvy and Sensitivity

1. Social Savvy and Sensitivity Some thoughts and suggestions

2. Showing Respect • When someone of either sex comes into the office, you should rise and properly greet that person (this does not apply to messengers or a colleague down the hall) • When an older, more senior member of management walks into the office of a junior executive, the latter should rise and greet. Always acknowledge their presence.

3. Seatsmanship-Know where and when to sit • Younger managers should not come barging into a room and take a seat of her/his choice • Younger people are not to take their seats until their seniors have either signaled them where they should sit or until their seniors have taken their own seats-Thank them • The host should indicate where people are to sit. This is common courtesy.

4. Elevator Etiquette • If you are at the front of a crowded elevator, you should automatically get off when the doors open (even if it is not your floor) • This will permit people in the back an easy exit • Traditionally, men would make every effort to let women exit first-today whoever is at the front should exit first

5. More Elevator Etiquette • If you accidentally push against someone, you should tell them you are sorry or excuse yourself • NO smoking • Do not stare

6. When You Have to Keep Someone Waiting • Make time to go to the waiting room and greet them and explain why you are late. Let them know how much longer it will be • If you can’t go out and talk to the person, have your secretary or receptionist do it • If the wait is longer than 30 minutes, give them the option to reschedule • Be gracious and apologetic

7. Going Through Doors • Our grandparents were taught that ladies should always walk through the door first-not so in today’s workplace • Whoever arrives at the door first, should open it for the other person • However, younger executives should defer to older, senior executives and get to the door first to hold it open

8. When Jr. and Sr. Executives Travel Together • Younger executive should take care of details of trip (room reservations, transportation, tips, etc.) • In the limo, the younger executive should take the uncomfortable jump seats if necessary • If a person has extremely long legs, they should ride in the front seat

9. More Travel Tips • When riding in a company car, the junior executive should ask “Where would you like me to sit?” • When traveling on a corporate jet, always be early-As a guest, wait until the host has boarded-Take only what refreshments are offered-Don’t use the jet for personal use (transporting X-mas packages, etc.!)-Write a thank you note to the host

10. The Art of Introducing People • Make sure you do it even if you forget names, get confused, etc. • Introduce a younger person to an older person • Introduce a peer in your company to a peer in another company • Introduce a nonofficial person to an official person

11. More Introductions • Introduce a junior executive to a senior executive • Introduce a fellow executive to a client • Explain who people are when you introduce them- “Mr. Smith, I would like to present my daughter Cindy. Cindy this is Mr. Smith, the president of our company.” • Always stand when being introduced

12. More Examples of Introductions • “Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, I would like to introduce to you a fellow executive from Salisbury University, John J. Seagull. John, this is Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, good friends of my parents.” • When introducing a stranger to your group, you should interrupt the group and welcome the new member

13. Oh No! More Introductions! • When introducing people of equal standing-no titles are required unless the person is older, a professional or someone with official rank (Example “Harry I would like to introduce a young new executive from our company, June Jordan. June, this is Dr. Harry Smith.” • Try to remember names as given to you-don’t be shy to ask for the name again

14. Names? • If you can not remember a name, admit your lapse of memory • If you can remember other aspects about the person, talk about those first then tell about your lack of name identification • If other people have forgotten your name, don’t make them suffer. Let them know your name

15. More Names! • If you have to stop and think if you should use a person’s first name-you should not • Younger person should wait for the ok from an older person to use a first name • Younger executive should wait for the ok from a senior executive to use a first name • Do not use nicknames in the workplace

16. The Handshake • Firm but don’t crush anyone’s bones • Hold for 3-4 seconds

17. Odds and Ends • A handwritten note is appropriate for all thank you correspondence • Black tie: Men-dark suit, white shirt and tie or tuxedo. Women-short cocktail dress or evening pantsuit. • Make yourself familiar with your corporate policy and gift budget before you give gifts • If your name is mispronounced, repeat your name when acknowledging those you are introduced to.

18. Cell Phone Etiquette • Use common sense • Respect those who share the space around you • Many establishments are now setting rules • Use the vibrate option when in close setting • Be discreet and consider time as a factor-don’t draw out a conversation when talking to someone else • Turn it off in class!!! They are not status symbols

19. Now You Are That True Social Butterfly • Be confident reassured • Relax and have fun