3 Tips to Create an Impression of Professionalism
By NETWORK. LEAD. EXCHANGE.
All good impressions develop from an origin of respect. Network Lead Exchange explains how to use respectful behavior to build a positive impression around the office along with the greater business community.
Respect is a two-way street, but often those demanding respect don’t provide it with the same fervor undergirding their expectations. It’s important to turn that paradigm around. Instead of demanding respect, give respect. The key to respect is behavior. Good impressions result from proper behavior. The business community has unspoken standards. While these standards are covered mostly by the guidelines of polite behavior, there’s some tactical moves professionals should use to build their reputation.
Listen and Ask Questions
The easiest way to build a positive reputation involves word choice. It’s not about a large vocabulary; instead word choice involves when words are used. Don’t get in conversations with the idea of impressing a counterpart. Instead, spend time listening. Think about questions. People love to talk, and the more they talk, the better they feel about the listener. Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot just by watching.” In business, you build a reputation through keeping the mouth shut and the ears open.
Arrive Early
American business leaders extol the merits of employees arriving early and leaving long after others depart. Arriving early to work is a good habit, but a better habit is being early to appointments. This behavior conveys respect to the people in these meetings. People prioritizing the needs of others don’t make them wait. Strive to be, at most, five minutes early. Any earlier and the person may be flustered. Don’t let it get too close to time, though. The best window is getting there as early as five minutes prior, and as few as one minute prior. Execute this behavior and respect is quickly conveyed.
Be Complimentary, but Not Obsequious
Many people have difficulty with giving and accepting compliments. It’s important to compliment people on a job well done. Complimenting work communicates interest in the work and appreciation of effort. When complimenting, don’t add advice. Unless something is far off the mark, leave it be. It’s important to make people feel good about what they do. When they do a good job, say something. That compliment buoys a person. They feel seen and valued. This is a simple yet effective way to communicate respect and earn that good impression.
Whether it’s networking or in the office, using these etiquette tips helps build the reputation. Practice all of these actions in a group @ NETWORKLEADEXCHANGE.COM.
