1. Always act professionally, even when others do not
2. Wait until you are able to respond in an appropriate manner to any offensive email or voicemail…sleep on it, if you must
3. Return all messages within the same business day
4. Do what you say you’ll do, when you say you’ll do it
5. Avoid using inappropriate language
6. Understand that being well-mannered does not mean being weak
7. Remember that both parties must win in any negotiation for a partnership to be successful
8. Be smartly dressed, no matter what your position or industry
9. Mentor junior colleagues
10. Get to know those you work with, and leverage their strengths and talents
11. Deliver difficult messages directly, but kindly
12. Never raise your voice
13. Get to know your clients, and treat them with respect and honesty
14. Do the right thing, even when no one will know
15. Build personal rapport with clients and colleagues, including learning basic personal details, and treat them as human beings rather than a means to an end
16. When everyone else is panicking, remain calm
17. Never discuss or compare personal incomes
18. Accept business compliments and awards with grace and modesty
19. Thank others who have contributed to your success
20. Be grateful for opportunities to shine, rather than complaining about the extra work
21. Remember that your job performance is a reflection on you, your colleagues, and your firm
22. Be present, and devote yourself to the job at hand, and do the same when at home
23. Rise above office politics
24. Never speak ill of current or past employers
25. When interviewing for a new job, always focus on where you’d like to go, rather than on why you’re leaving your current position
26. Use business casual dress as a way to dress a bit more stylishly, not sloppily
27. If you are presenting in front of a group, wear a suit even if your audience is dressed casually
28. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and be able to laugh at your own foibles
29. Understand that every job and position is integral in making an enterprise successful, and rise to the occasion
30. Build good will by helping others every time you can
31. Don’t become territorial about your responsibilities, always have an image of how your role fits into the larger picture
32. Always do your utmost to make your manager and your firm look its best, and you will be a sought after commodity
33. Mobile phones should not be seen nor heard during business meetings
34. If an email exchange shows signs of becoming tense, pick up the phone and call the other party instead of continuing
35. Don’t hide behind technology, deliver difficult messages in person or via live phone call, never by email, voicemail or text
36. Never, ever burn a bridge
37. Be more inclined to give credit than to take it
38. When the going gets rough, look for solutions rather than focusing on the problems
39. Look for ways to do your job in the most efficient way it can be done
40. Be impeccably loyal to your firm
41. Always be honing your craft, and improving your performance
42. Stay on top of industry news, and always be learning
43. Don’t fall prey to the time wasters of email and office gossip
44. Avoid offensive and derogatory remarks or jokes, and generalisations of any sort
45. Smile more often
46. Don’t disclose intimate details about your health or personal life at work
47. Keep business attire elegantly simple, yet stylish
48. Accept common courtesies, such as a door being opened, with a simple and polite “thank you”
49. Be engaged
50. Be kind
51. Be inclusive
52. If you manage others, let them have control of their responsibilities
53. If you manage others, remember that your job comes with the responsibility of looking out for the best interests of your team, not the other way around
54. Manage conflict with others privately and respectfully
55. Act in a way at work that you would be proud for your children or your grandparents to see
56. Avoid wearing too much perfume or cologne
57. Learn to graciously say that someone else has a better idea
58. Be happy for the success of others
59. Be the kind of employee that you would like to hire
60. Be the kind of leader that you would like to work for
61. Help others achieve their golas
62. Protect your business reputation at all costs
63. Stay in touch with colleagues, don’t only phone when you need something
64. You don’t need to be friends with everyone you work with, but you must be able to build respectful partnerships with them
65. Send thank you notes to colleagues and clients where appropriate
66. Avoid being confrontational, and look for ways to build bridges instead
67. Always moderate ambition with a dash of restraint
68. Remember that remaining gracious under pressure is the hallmark of a true leader
69. Understand that sometimes slower is much more elegant than fast
70. Remember that it’s not what you say, but how you say it that matters
71. Insecurity and professional jealousy will only harm your own chances of success
72. Avoid being defensive, it shows a lack of self confidence
73. Join Toastmasters to become a more eloquent speaker
74. Be the model of business discretion, because you never know who might be listening
75. In word, in deed and in dress, if in doubt, don’t
76. Cultivate quiet self confidence, and remember that boastful behaviour is never elegant
77. When asking for a raise or promotion, do it respectfully and with documentation showing why it’s deserved
78. Dress for the position that you’d like to have
79. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem
80. Be certain you have your facts straight before speaking, otherwise let others know that it’s your opinion
81. Never steal another person’s idea
82. Give credit where credit is due, it will always put you in a better light
83. Never make up an answer, simply say “I don’t know, but I’ll find that answer for you.” and then make sure that you do
84. Whether you are a man or a woman, never underestimate the value of good manners in business
85. Be genuine
86. Embrace the new ideas and directions that your firm chooses
87. Be passionate
88. Have fun
89. Do a bit more than is expected
90. Encourage others
91. Read at least 6 books a year on business related topics
92. Apologize for a job done poorly, rather than making excuses
93. Cultivate solid decision making skills
94. Don’t be afraid to speak up with new ideas
95. Don’t allow hurt feelings to cloud business judgment
96. Always take the high road
97. Find productive ways to enjoy your job
98. Be someone who others look up to and respect
99. Learn how to behave in all different types of work environments
100. Always act with grace and dignity, and with a clear sense of ethics to guide you
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