The career cost of bad manners

“Good manners will open doors the best education cannot,” Clarence Thomas, associate justice of the United States’ Supreme Court once said. While an impressive CV is necessary to progress, the importance of first-class etiquette should never be underestimated.

With charm and humour, a talented hard-worker can bring themselves to the attention of their line manager and those further up the ranks. If mastered, etiquette can help the ambitious socialise comfortably with their superiors and allow them to be set apart from their peers.

Atlas Retail Consultants managing director George Brown has worked with retailers such as Harvey Nichols, Mexx and Levi’s, analysing their business, training staff and supporting their management teams. He says: “Good etiquette is important from customer facing roles right through to working within a team in head office. Businesses in all areas will be happier to deal with someone who is respectful, mannerly and fair.”

He adds: “You need to find a balance. People need to be fair and open but defend their corner at the same time and command respect.”

While finishing school is unlikely to be on the CVs of most, learning the basic rules of leaving a good impression are a must.

Francesca Young, co-writer of Teach Yourself Etiquette and Modern Manners, says: “People are much more willing to have an in-depth conversation with someone they feel is well-mannered. They will make a point of speaking later to a person they remember as being polite and considerate.”

Good boardroom etiquette is essential when it comes to being regarded positively by colleagues and superiors alike. Young says: “Put your phone on silent. Don’t text and if it is likely you will have to take a call mid-meeting, warn the organisers and apologise in advance. Always take urgent calls outside of the room. Be prepared – it’s a waste of other people’s time if you’re not on the ball. Also, adhere strictly to the company’s dress code for these meetings.”

She adds: “Good etiquette in the office marks you out as not being a time waster. It makes you seem the sort of person your bosses will increasingly want to have representing their company – and that can only be a good thing.”

Being a company representative also requires a certain amount of charm and skill. Young says: “When networking the biggest mistake is hogging one person’s attention – they are there to network too.”

Dos and don’ts

Do follow the company’s style of dress for a meeting or event

Don’t be a ruthless networker – abruptly abandoning a conversation with someone who will not assist your professional ascent is rude and will be remembered

Do be mannerly with colleagues working at every level of a business

Don’t monopolise one person in particular when networking – the point of the exercise is to have brief meetings with lots of people

Do remember to keep your business cards to hand – a good impression is wasted if the potential recipient cannot get in touch