00:06Workplace etiquette is important because it shows consideration, kindness, respect and
00:11professionalism for the environment that you're in, the organization or the company you work for.
00:16So that is where you tie in the, not the dining, but the fundamentals of etiquette is kindness,
00:22is respect for someone else. We've all heard the words, mind your manners,
00:26but workplace etiquette is about much more than saying please and thank you. It's about the way
00:32you communicate how you treat others and the level of professionalism you bring to work every single
00:38day. And if you're trying to make a great first impression, you don't have much time. Etiquette
00:43coach Shilmene Rivers, founder of the Etiquette School of the Caribbean says, you've got just
00:49about seven seconds to leave your mark. I live by a quote that says good manners can open doors the
00:55best education cannot. Because after all the degrees and the masters and the accolades are done,
01:00what has remained? What remains which is what? Professionalism. That is what's going to take you
01:05places. How you present yourself, how you speak, how you communicate with co-workers, the things that
01:10you do to elevate not just your space, keeping the desk clean, being punctually. Whether it's arriving on
01:16time, keeping your workspace clean or simply being respectful to your colleagues, the little things
01:22often make the big difference. But workplace etiquette isn't just for employees. Creating a
01:28positive work environment starts at the top and respect has to go both ways. Not because you're
01:35supporting the staff, it means that managers don't respect you. Respect, it has to go vice versa. If you
01:41want a culture where there's teamwork and camaraderie, respect have to, managers have to respect staff as
01:47well. Then there's appearance. You don't need an expensive wardrobe to look professional. But putting
01:53thought into how you present yourself can boost confidence and leave a lasting impression. Some
01:59people might wear his and they're good with it. Some may not be able to wear that. And even if
02:02you wear
02:02ballet flats, polish it a little bit. If you're wearing a skirt, wear stockings, finish off your look.
02:09Because those things are what's going to get you past the door. Those things are going to remain with
02:12with management, with persons who you're interacting with. While qualifications may help you land the
02:18job, it's your attitude, professionalism and people skills that often help you grow within an
02:23organization. And according to Rivers, building a strong workplace culture is just as much a
02:29management responsibility as it is an employee. It's important for management to understand
02:35their role and responsibility. Your workplace is a reflection of them. The culture of the organization
02:41is a reflection of management. That is facts. If you want to have good workplace or good culture in
02:50your workplace, it means that management have to invest in staff. It means that it's not just about
02:56giving them money or promotions or an increase in salary, but invest in your staff. Do training with
03:03them. Recognize them. You did a good job today. Have awards. Isn't there so many things management can do
03:10to make staff feel empowered and to make them feel respected and recognized?
03:15So what's the takeaway? Show up on time. Keep your space organized. Dress appropriately. Treat people
03:22with kindness. And remember that respect is something everyone, regardless of job title, deserves.
03:28Present your best self in your workplace. I would say punctuality is first and foremost. Not just arriving
03:36eight because work starts at eight, but arriving before times, you can get to do what you have to
03:40do and start your work at eight. The second thing I would say is dress for your part. Put time
03:48into how
03:49you want to dress. On a Sunday, look through your closet. See what you want to put on. So you
03:53feel it's
03:54not a rushed look, but a well put together, polished look. I would say as well, don't have a desk
04:01clutter.
04:02Clutter. When your desk is clutter, your mind is clutter. You can't just function properly. You want
04:07to function in your workplace. You want to have respect for your desk, for your space and others
04:11as well. And I would say really give respect where respect is due. Good workplace etiquette isn't about
04:18being perfect. It's about being intentional. Because when professionalism, respect and kindness becomes
04:24part of the culture, everyone wins. Until next time, I am Charlotte Kisto reminding you to be your best self.
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