Technical Professionals Etiquette Training

On Target:  Etiquette for Technical Professionals

Program Overview

This program is designed for technical professionals wishing to improve their understanding of business etiquette and office communication.  It discusses professionalism and professional behavior.  Topics include workplace expectations and acceptable behaviors, appropriate business dress and grooming, audience analysis, verbal communication, telephone etiquette, and office email etiquette.

Program Objectives

At this program's conclusion, participants should be able to:

• Explain what office etiquette is and why it is important.
• Describe the importance of business relationships and how to develop and maintain them.
• Demonstrate the proper use of business cards and handshakes.
• Describe appropriate office dress.
• Demonstrate use of the telephone in a business environment: answer the phone, transfer a call, place a caller on hold, etc.
• Explain how and when to use email as a communication tool.
• Rephrase blunt communication into professional prose.
• Describe the impact of tone, words, and body language on communication.
• Identify appropriate and inappropriate office dress.

The following outline highlights some of the course's key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Course Outline

Formatting the Hard Drive: Identifying Etiquette Errors Versus What Should Be Done

This course begins with a fun and fast-paced discussion of basic business behavior.  Participants will identify behaviors appropriate for the workplace and those that are unacceptable.  This proven approach allows employees to target areas for self and/or group improvement.

Using Cookies and Establishing Favorites: Developing a Professional Image and Building a Network

This segment of the program addresses handshakes, business cards, and the importance of networking with internal and external clients and colleagues. By the conclusion of this section, participants should have a clear idea of how to present themselves appropriately and how to nurture relationships for better business results.

Avoiding Crossed Wires: Testing Your Telephone Etiquette

The telephone is a ubiquitous office tool.  However, it is often misused and abused.  This component of the course explores basic telephone etiquette and the nitty-gritty rules of cell phones and PDAs.

Managing Mail: Understanding the Essentials of Email Etiquette

Email is a wonderful tool when used correctly. Unfortunately, many people misuse and abuse the ability to send electronic messages.  In this part of program participants will look at when to use email, proper email etiquette, and what to do when and if email gets out of control.

Upgrading Your System: Planning Messages

While good communication has a lot to do with basic etiquette, even the best manners will not make up for poor planning of messages.  This segment of the course reviews the process of planning messages and audience analysis.  By its conclusion participants should have a clear understanding of how to position their communications.  Topics covered include: knowing the audience, crafting the message, choosing the words, choosing the tone, and managing non-verbal signals.

Packaging Your Program: Choosing the Right Clothes

Great business etiquette includes packaging messages and packaging the sender.  This final segment of the program reviews how wardrobe can affect perceptions of professionalism.  If requested, the client's dress code can be incorporated into this portion of the course.

Upon completion of the training, participants will have an understanding of what it takes to be a technical professional in addition to technical proficiency.