The Essentials of Business Etiquette

Learn to interact with coworkers to boost productivity and foster a positive organizational culture through improved communication, collaboration, empathy, and genuine interest across remote, in-person, and hybrid settings.

Understand five workplace generations—traditionalists, baby boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z—and learn practical strategies to foster collaboration, inclusion, and clear communication across teams.

Improve business courtesy by mastering phone etiquette and broader communication etiquette across phone, in-person, email, and chat channels through clear speech, active listening, and concise voicemails.

Learn to write clear, concise emails with brief specific subject lines, one-topic messages, proper greetings and signatures, and best practices for attachments, tone, proofreading, and next steps.

Arrive on time, maintain eye contact, be present and prepared, listen actively, and show respect; use formal addresses, avoid interruptions, controversial topics, excessive socializing, and phone use at work.

Craft concise messages and manage notifications to master business chat etiquette. Choose the appropriate channel for urgent or sensitive matters and keep tone empathetic.

Explore the evolution of meetings from ancient agora to modern video conferences, highlighting key etiquette practices like preparation, agendas, active listening, and the impact on communication, productivity, and relationships.

Master office meeting etiquette by arriving early, preparing agendas, participating actively, managing body language, minimizing distractions, and following up with clear next steps.

Learn practical tips for effective virtual meetings, from choosing familiar platforms and setting up a quiet space to dress for success, speak with confidence, and concise questions.

Master business meal etiquette to build relationships; arrive on time, respect staff, dress business casual, and practice table manners. Serve others first, limit calls, and prepare questions for your host.

Master proper table settings and utensil placement, use the outermost utensil first, work inward toward the plate, avoid business talk during meals, and practice napkin etiquette and pacing.

Learn how workplace dress codes define formality, review business professional, business formal, business casual, and casual, and discover tips to dress for success with tailored suits, shoes, and complete outfits.

Dress for zoom interviews the same as in-person interviews to project professionalism and confidence, wearing button-downs, blouses, blazers, or sweaters with slacks or skirts, and test lighting.

Learn to build meaningful workplace connections by defining clear networking goals, practicing active listening, delivering a concise elevator pitch, and following up to grow your professional network online.

Develop professionalism by reflecting on teamwork, the image you project, and how you greet others with eye contact and using their name, avoiding interruptions and unaddressed delays.

Explore country-specific business etiquette from Mexico to China, including greetings, punctuality, attire, small talk, and meetings, with tips on visits, gifts, meishi, and digital cards.

Master professional communication and workplace manners across in-person, phone, chat, and video meetings, meals, dress, networking, and cross-country etiquette, building a strong professional brand and opening doors to new opportunities.