Getting a jump start in business
Attention to personal grooming, protocol, business and social etiquette are essential for gaining that extra edge in business

by Judy Ahamad, Corporate Image Development Consultant

Anyone who wants to be perceived as having power, determination, and the drive to get ahead must be aware that impressive credentials, intelligence and creativity have less to do with career, and personal, development than paying attention to much smaller details. There are many who start jobs with dreams and hopes of steady advancement which are never fulfilled. All the while, they look with envy at those for whom such accomplishment seems almost effortless. Noteworthy in the latter is the reluctance to waste time providing unnecessary explanations and apologies or justifying opinions. They seem to know exactly what, when and how to do, or not to do, something. We need only to hear and see those who are truly successful in business to recognize that they pay particular attention to the following critical aspects:

ATTITUDE: According to The Dale Carnegie Institute of New York City, "A positive attitude is the main key to success." What does attitude have to do with success? Everything! As a matter of fact, 80% of getting ahead depends on attitude. The remaining 20% comprises your background, education and past experience. Having a positive self attitude will pave a smoother way to your goals than having a losing one. Many, with the ambition to get ahead, focus only on the latter, without stopping to think how they are affecting others and ultimately themselves. Though you may disagree with your company's dress code or promotion policies, constantly griping, rallying or back- biting will not get you the raise or the promotion. Tactfully addressing the situation puts you in a much better light with those in charge and others. Also, as you get closer to the top, don't forget those who were once your team players. This is probably the primary reason for contempt in the business world.

SPEECH: Let's face it. It is not likely that respected companies will place poor speakers in positions where they are in contact with clients. As with physical appearance, others judge you by your voice within the first few seconds of hearing it. As a matter of fact, the quality of your voice is more readily accessed than what is actually being said. With an easy- to- listen- to, pleasant voice, get your listeners on your side, convince or sell them. Especially on the telephone, one's voice and manner of speech should project quality, energy and professionalism. Work to improve your voice, even if it means getting professional training.

DEADLINES: Be on time. Be prompt and turn in reports before they are due, whenever possible. Time management is extremely important. This means getting to your appointment early and fully prepared for the tasks ahead, even if this means working overtime and on weekends. If it is absolutely impossible to meet deadline demands, have a sound reason and, as early as possible, notify those involved, clearly indicating the cause and extent of the delay. This might get you in "hot water" temporarily, but will command far more respect than shoddy, or incomplete assignments.

ACCURACY: Do not make false claims of any sort. At interviews for jobs, promotions or appraisals give correct information. Even if your main motivation is fear of a falsehood being discovered. Remember, the truth is like a cork in water, no matter how much you push it down, it will eventually come to the surface. Accuracy in all your dealings will give you a reputation for being credible and trustworthy and will "go a long way" in helping you achieve your goals and maintain respect.

THOUGHTFULNESS: Most of your waking hours are spent in a work environment, and as such, co- workers, clients and customers become like family, bringing personalities into close and continual contact. Through your own thoughtfulness and paying attention to their needs can enhance the dynamics of your work group and buffer unavoidable irritants. "A flower on someone's birthday, an offer of help, quiet when someone is concentrating - all these go a long way toward creating a pleasant atmosphere and building a reputation for knowing how to work with people," writes etiquette guru, Emily Post. Thoughtfulness also allows you to handle awkward and complicated situations as they arise. You must be able to deal tactfully with delicate problems, not spray air freshener when someone with poor personal hygiene leaves the room. Help a co- worker through a "hot spot" with the boss and put yourself and others at ease when an important contract falls through. Thoughtullness means doing all you can to assist your customers and clients. In fact, thoughtfulness is doing the right things you are not told to do and responding to needs of others before they ask.

PERSONAL ENHANCEMENT: Attention to personal grooming, protocol, business and social etiquette is essential for gaining that extra edge in business. Finesse and style are like icing on a cake. It is often said that even if you can be filled by eating meat and vegetables with a spoon, it does not mean that's the right way to do it. So, if you aspire to be a success, ensure that every aspect of your life is geared towards that goal. When your dreams become reality, you will realise that the time and energy taken to discover and implement those things that put you in control, was well worth it.

GOSSIP: Involve yourself in healthy conversation - your new car, the West- Indies vs. New Zealand cricket match, the ValuJet plane crash. You certainly can ask co- workers about their plans for the weekend but please, do avoid any semblance of gossip. If someone can talk about others with you, they can definitely talk about you, with others. Getting carried away in conversation can also lead to divulging information unintentionally. Maybe you have been privy to some of your company's financial data, or someone else's personal plans. If you have been trusted with information, don't whisper it to anyone for the promise that it will not be repeated. It will.

ABSENTEEISM: Whenever you are absent you are filed. Don't build a reputation of being away from work for no reason or for every little upset in your life. Try to be at work everyday unless it is absolutely unavoidable.

PERSONAL LIFE: Maybe your confidant happens to be your co- worker, but you need not share your personal matters at the office. Leave your personal life at home. Children can and do disrupt a professional atmosphere. Therefore, it may be necessary to get someone else to baby- sit after school while you are still at work, rather than allow your little angels to be at your workplace for several hours until it's time to leave for home. This rule also applies to friends who "drop in" often and tend to stay and chat. Also, limit private phone calls to only urgent ones. Don't have a reputation for wasting precious time or doing "just enough to get by" as you will lose not only respect, but any chance of advancement and possibly even the position you now have.

TIDINESS: Keep self and surroundings neat and tidy at all times. When your desk and surrounding areas are in disarray, you communicate a lack of caring and organisation. When in order, you show that you recognise the importance of attention to detail. That's one of the main characeristics that employers and top management look for in today's competitive business climate.

CONDUCT: At the office, obscene language, gum chewing, smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited. Everyone, everywhere wants to be associated with healthy lifestyles and world conservation, so even if you are a chain smoker find somewhere else to smoke. Better yet, try to stop smoking completely. Have you ever seen a successful business person chewing gum? As for a drink, maybe one, but preferably none at all, at a business lunch.

OFFICE ROMANCES: "Handling chemistry at the office is part of maintaining professionalism. The issue is not that it happens, but how well it is handled." Words well spoken by none other than Susan Bixler, Professional Image Consultant and author of Professional Presence. Spending a lot of time working closely can certainly "stir up romantic feelings that might previously have been held in tight rein." Generally, relationships between single people are acceptable, if handled with discretion, but if these do not end favorably, internal problems could arise, and work will be affected.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT: This probably should head the list, since this could result in the most serious consequences. It can be defined as "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature." It is illegal and should not be tolerated. Your promotion, reputation and even your job will be at stake if allegations are made. No company looks forward to dealing with the consequences of sexual harassment.

Success in the business world requires a range of characteristics, and having to deal with people of varying backgrounds and experiences makes it even more challenging. For example, simply understanding numbers does not make the best salesperson in the field. The ability to handle ourselves well, carry out assignments with diligence, master office politics and finesse ourselves through it all together contribute to the making of that great banker, or notorious salesman or any other professional in business. There is no shortcut to distinction. It takes determination. It becomes a way of life. Take the challenge. In the words of Mr Dale Carnegie, "You want the approval of those with whom you come in contact. You want recognition of your true worth. You want to feel that you are important in your world." As simple as it sounds, this is what separates the leaders from the followers.

Judy Ahamad is a Professional Image Consultant trained with Beauty For All Seasons. She is Director of the Professional Image Institute, which specialises in Corporate Seminars and personal consultations through-out the Caribbean.
Tel (809) 657- 9245

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