This blog addresses five rules of business etiquette that are important to board members and their boards.
1. Say thank you in a concrete way
How often in the past year have you or your board, thanked a group or individuals for their input into your processes. I’m thinking of such events as annual meetings, open meetings, consultations, and presentations.
Many boards say thank you at the end of any session, but I wonder how many actually take the time to send a thank you note to participants. Even if participants do not get what they wanted they will know that you listened. As a board member you will differentiate yourself by such gestures.
2. Learn the names of presenters and participants
Prior to any interaction with persons other than board members it is essential to learn the names of the individuals you will meet. It is belittling to others to see a board member lean over and ask another person, “Who is that anyway.”
Impress your stakeholders and shareholders with your personal touch. It is worth the time and energy to acknowledge and get to know all of the people who want to interface with your board.
3. Observe the ‘Elevator Rule’
When a board meeting is over, do not discuss any aspect of the meeting while you are in the halls or the elevator. This applies even if you are there are only board members in the elevator. What is overheard can damage your board’s reputation. Rehashing can wait until you are in a private location.
4. Keep Your Focus on the Person
One of the complaints I hear is that board members or CEOs keep looking at their phones or having side conversations when another is speaking. If you do not mind being treated that way, then it may be okay to keep up such behavior. I know it is hard to avoid distractions but professional etiquette is expected of all board members and CEOs. Please be present at all times.
5. Keep an open mind
Most people cannot refrain from showing judgmental behavior. Just a few are:
- Folding our arms
- Looking at the ceiling
- Smirking
- Flipping through papers
- Nodding
- Frowning
- Rubbing our necks or faces.
You may disagree with another; however, he has a right to his opinion. Remember you are only responsible for your own behavior, not the behavior of others.
Etiquette is positive. It’s a way of being—not a set of rules or dos and don’ts.
