Workplace Etiquette: My Take

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I have worked in an office environment in some facet or another since I was 19.  Given that 15 years of experience, I feel I can speak a bit on appropriate behavior in the workplace.  Some of these may only be my opinion, but others seem as though they should be common sense.

  • Say “Good Morning” to your coworkers.  The silent treatment is conducive to no team function.
  • Don’t smack your gum.  I’m SURE I’ve been guilty of this in the past but just don’t do it.  Since I don’t chew gum anymore, this is no problem for me.
  • Men: tuck your shirt in.  Polo or not, it’s not ok to leave your shirt untucked. (Sidenote: especially in a meeting with customer/employees/vendors.)
  • Be on time.  For work and for appointments.  Do I really have to explain this? My rule of thumb is generally this: If you make me late, I’ll make you late.  You requested an appointment with me at 9:00 am?  Be here a few minutes before.  If you are late, I will be too.  Respect my time and I’ll respect yours.
  • Leave your work outside the bathroom.  If you want to take the newspaper with you to the bathroom at home, you do so, but at work, it’s just gross.  Also, wash your hands – with soap.
  • Sitting in a public place such as a front desk area or set of cubicles?  Keep off the personal calls.  Take a break in the breakroom or outside to makes those calls.  Telling your mother about your bad rash in front of your coworkers is not cool.

These are my thoughts specific to meeting environments…

  • Keep your feet on the floor. Not up on the table or other chairs around you.
  • Keep your shoes on.  This is a huge deal for me.  You’re in your own office and want to take your shoes off?  Fine.  But if you have guests in your office or you’re in a meeting, keep your shoes on.  Besides, touching the bottom of your dirty shoes because you were playing with them, then shaking their hand, is just downright gross.
  • Are you hosting the meeting?  Offer your guests something to drink – even if it’s just water.
  • Be respectful.  If someone has an idea to offer, let them.  Don’t be that person who talks over everyone else.

What have I missed?  Are there other workplace etiquette items that are missing from this list?  If so, feel free to leave a comment.

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Sage Summit 2012 Recap

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In August, I was lucky enough to be able to attend Sage Summit 2012. Not only was this conference fun, but it was also highly educational. This was my second year attending the conference and while last year I felt a little lost, this year I knew what to expect.
There are several things I love about this conference.
The first being that the partner conference overlaps with the customer portion, giving partners a chance outside of normal course of business to connect with their customers.
I also love that the Sage exec’s are at the conference for the week. You are able to talk with Sage employees, VPs included, about any issues you and your company are experiencing.
Since I was an Endorsed Blogger this year, I was on the inside track with some things and got to know some Sage employees I wouldn’t normally have gotten to meet.
I loved the Social Networking Lounge (note to Sage: include a bar next year…). It was here where you could meet up with people you met online, pick up VIT (Very Important Tweeter) prizes and charge your devices. I saw many meetups happening here over the week I was there.
Some of my most beneficial meetings from the even occurred at or neat this lounge. Well done, Sage!
While I learned a lot about Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate future plans of the division and the future of Timberline Office, I also learned from people I met last year and continued to stay in contact with over the year. Little things like which twitter apps they use to the best way to save articles from the web. A few of those items are Buffer, IFTTT and Evernote Web Clipper.
Of course, my favorite part of Sage Summit was the night at The Opry. This is the customer appreciation part of the conference and this year it was a night at the Grand Ole Opry House. I was lucky enough to have a second row ticket and a backstage pass to meet Jake Owen and my all time favorite Trace Adkins. A night to remember for sure. (To see a more detailed post on this event, check here.)

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