10 Soft Skills Essential for Thriving in the AI Era 

                              “While we do not know the full effect or the precises rate at which AI will change our business–or how it will affect society at large–we are completely convinced the consequences will be extraordinary.”

                                                                                         Jamie Dimon, CEO of Chase 

Jamie Dimon and Elon Musk say Artificial Intelligence will be smarter than humans and transform society. It’s understandable that many people are concerned about the future and what it may bring. Artificial Intelligence (AI)) is on the verge of pervading every company and industry worldwide, if it has not already. It is poised to enhance the efficiency of goods and services production, as well as offer fresh and potentially more astute insights into their development. It stands to reason some occupations will be replaced or become obsolete; therefore, acquiring skills that will be indispensable in the upcoming era of AI is crucial to secure your place in this new era.

As AI becomes more integrated into workplaces, the importance of soft skills is increasing. Recent studies suggest that in the age of Artificial Intelligence employers are expected to increasingly value soft skills that enhance human interactions and cultivate company cultures centered around people. This is because Artificial Intelligence is predicted to be most effective when it augments human abilities and helps to strengthen human connections. Along with these soft skills, adaptability and a commitment to ongoing self-learning will also be essential to remain relevant and sought-after, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI technologies. 

Regardless of the color of the collar–blue, white, or new color (jobs that do not require a traditional college degree but do require a great deal of skill) –you wear or the position you hold, you can enhance your indispensability and thrive in the AI era by refining your soft skills. These abilities cannot be matched by Artificial Intelligence.

But what are soft skills? Soft skills refer to a cluster of personal traits, including your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, and a host of other personal attributes that are crucial for success in business. Soft skills are also known as interpersonal skills, social skills, and people skills. Soft skills are 85% of success in getting a job, keeping a job, and moving up in an organization; technical skills or the knowledge required for a job account for 15%, according to research.

Artificial Intelligence should be regarded as a collaborative tool to support you in your role or tasks, rather than a substitute for competent individuals endowed with superior soft skills. Keep this in mind and welcome the incredible advancements of AI with anticipation, rather than apprehension.

Here are ten soft skills essential for thriving in the AI era:

1. Be interested in others and the world around you. People like people who are interested in them and the world around them—not just in themselves. “Your goal is to make others feel comfortable around you by focusing on them; and you can influence people’s perceptions of you by playing to their needs,” writes Camille Lavington in “You’ve Got Three Seconds.” Knowing what is going on in the world will not only make you appear less egocentric, but it will also equip you with conversation topics for everyone with whom you come into contact.  

2. Be a good listener and ask questions. “Research has consistently demonstrated that ineffective listening habits present the most common barriers to success in relationships and careers,” according to Larry Barker and Kittie Watson, authors of “Listen Up.” People like to know they are being heard and that their ideas are appreciated. By being a good listener, you let others know that you value them and what they have to say. Etiquette expert Letitia Baldridge says, “Politeness decrees that you must listen to be kind; intelligence decrees that you must listen to learn.”

3. Be skilled at relationship management. “Relationship management is your ability to use your awareness of your own emotions and those of others to manage interactions successfully,” according to Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, authors of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.” People like to work with people they like, trust, and feel understand them. Today’s workplace can be very stressful; but when you are skilled at relationship management, you can more effectively work with your team members to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles to achieve a win-win scenario for all. AI will not be able to replace the need for emotional support and human interaction. 

“It (AI) needs to connect, understand, and respond to human emotions in a way that actually feels authentic and meaningful,” says Angel Vossough, Cofounder and Chief Executive of Better AI 

4. Be good natured; have a sense of humor. Be positive; try to make the best of situations; and don’t take yourself too seriously. A judicious and tasteful sense of humor can often deflate tense situations; and studies show having a sense of humor can help you get ahead at work. A Robert Half International survey, for instance, found that 91% of executives believe a sense of humor is important for career advancement; while 84% feel that people with a good sense of humor do a better job. Another study by Bell Leadership Institute found that the two most desirable traits in leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. “A sense of humor is the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”  -Dwight D. Eisenhower

5. Be a team player. “We’re all in this together; and let’s make it work” is an attitude that is appreciated by everyone. To paraphrase Harvard professor David Deming in his paper “The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market,” “As work is becoming more team-oriented, workers with strong soft skills are more able to work well with others and will be considered more valuable, since good teamwork increases productivity.” AI will have the capability to automate tasks, yet it cannot supplant the necessity for cohesive teamwork.

 6. Be an ethical leader. To inspire your team, you must lead by example, demonstrating character and integrity. Make sure your habits and actions match your words. Establish trust and transparency with your team, your superiors and your clients. Above all, strive to be a just and kind leader, treating individuals with dignity and respect. Trustworthiness and ethical decision making are soft skills that cannot be automated. 

 7. Be confident. “Confidence is important because it is the most attractive personal brand attribute. When someone exudes confidence, we want to work with them; we are more likely to follow their lead,” says William Arruda, personal branding expert. And “Employers will know they can trust you with a project and that you are likely going to be good at motivating others as well,” according to Dr. Katharine Brooks, author of “You Majored in What? Your Path from Chaos to Career.” “Fake it until you become it.” Amy Cuddy, author of “Presence”

 8. Be an effective communicator. Communication skills are some of the most important skills you will need to succeed in the workplace. “First communication is not so much what you say, but rather how you say it. And this you can condition and control,” according to Sylvania Ann Hewlett, author of “Executive Presence.” Your words and your body language must be congruent to be believable.

 Furthermore, in order to be an effective communicator, you must understand what your message is, what audience you are sending it to, and how it will be perceived. If is it not perceived the way you intended it be perceived, you did not effectively communicate your message. 

“It (AI) needs to connect, understand, and respond to human emotions in a way that actually feels authentic and meaningful,” says Angel Vossough, Cofounder and Chief Executive of Better AI 

 9. Be skilled at making small talk. Small talk “breaks the ice;” it makes others feel comfortable and puts them at ease. It is the first level of a conversation; it is about the current situation—how you got there, the weather, the location, mutual friends or other connections. When you work in an office environment, making small talk and socializing with team members is essential for building rapport with them.

 10. Be polite and treat everyone with respect. Good manners will be noticed and approved of just as poor manners will work against one. Having good manners and a respectful attitude toward others will make people want to be around you—in and out of the office.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

Updated: March 2024

Note: This article employed the use of Bing Copilot (ChatGPT). It is an outstanding resource for writers.

 “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.”     -Michelangelo

The definitive checklist for everything new college graduates need to know and do to launch successful careers in the professional business world:  

1. Know the proper protocol for introducing yourself and others. Always have a pre-planned self-introduction for every interview and networking event you attend—one that will stimulate interest in you.

2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and erect posture. Confident body language speaks volumes about your credibility as a person who is going places.

3. Suit up for success. Wear appropriate business attire and always make sure you are well-groomed when you go on a job interview or to a business meeting. Polished shoes translate to attention to detail. A polished appearance opens doors!

4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice. Enunciate your words and do not use slang, foul language, or filler words. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively is essential to your success.

5. Polish your electronic and written communications, and your virtual presence.  Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. And today, it is critical to your success that you are able to present a polished and professional presence online for interviews and meetings.

6. Be professional when using your phone for business.

Always identify yourself when placing and answering a call. Be prepared to leave a voicemail when you place a call, since over half of all calls placed go to voicemail.

7. Know what is appropriate and what does not reflect positively on you when using your social networking tools. Every communication in both the virtual and real world is an opportunity to make a good impression.

8 Master the art of mingling, networking, and making small talk. Being skillful at mingling, networking, and small talk will not only help you get a job; it will also help you stand out in your new job.

9 Perfect your dining skills and table manners. You may be invited to have lunch with a potential employer so that he or she can observe your table manners. Demonstrating fine dining skills and stellar table manners greatly enhance your odds of landing a job.

10.  Demonstrate good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember and are impressed with people who have good manners.

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

        May 2022

Modern Manners for the Younger Generations:

10 Tips to Help You Make a Positive Impression with the Older Generations

Etiquette evolves to adapt to the times; but manners are a constant because manners are more about how we treat other people, rather than strict rules for how things should be done. Manners are about being mindful of others and showing respect for them. Good manners never go out of style! 

Millennials and Gen Zers are our future leaders. And as such, will be role models for all who follow them. I know all in these two generations are not alike, just like all baby boomers are not alike; but there are many common traits–some quite wonderful, and some that might be improved upon. For the ones that need a little work, I have the following tips that are sure to make a positive impression with the older generations, as well as set a good example for all who will be following them: 

1. Put your mobile device away. Not all the time, but occasionally it would be nice. I am sure you frequently hear this, “He/she never puts his/her mobile device away.”  If you would try to discipline yourself to put your mobile device away when you are with a date, your relatives, or anyone you respect, it would be noticed, and I am certain appreciated.

    

2. Make polite conversation. When you show interest in others and ask questions about them, they will find you likeable. They will also think you are well-mannered. When you are invited to a social event or someone’s home, you should always go prepared with a few conversation topics they would find interesting. In other words, plan on being sociable and showing interest in the people you know or are meeting for the first time.

    

3. Make eye contact. When you are speaking to another person, it is polite to make eye contact with them. It shows respect for the person; and it also shows you are confident enough to make eye contact. Force yourself to look others in the eye when greeting, talking, and especially listening.

    

4. Mind your posture. Stand and sit up straight. Slouching makes you look lazy, disinterested, as well as disrespectful to the person with whom you are speaking or eating. It doesn’t take much effort but will make a world of difference in how you are perceived, since erect posture gives the impression of confidence and poise. 

    

5. Be gracious and appreciative.  Use the magic words you learned when you were a child.  Any time you want something, you say, “Please.”  I am certain you know that. And when someone does something for you, gives you a gift, or hosts you at their house for the weekend, you say, “Thank-you.” But do you write a thank-you note? It would be very classy if you sent a hand-written note; but an email, or even a text would make you seem more appreciative than not sending any note. Lastly, when someone says, “Thank you” to you for something you have done for them, you should say, “You’re welcome” or “It was my pleasure.” Saying, “No problem” always implies to others that somehow it might have been.

    

6. Dress for your audience.Acceptable modern dressing is certainly more causal today, but there are times when a t-shirt or hoodie and sneakers won’t be appropriate. Even when Mark Zuckerberg testified in front of Congress last year, he wore a suit and tie because that is the standard in that arena. So, if you are a man, I would recommend you have at least one blazer—black or navy blue—and one suit, with a pair of dress shoes. You never know when you will need them. If you are a woman, have at least one classic black dress or pant suit and black heels to wear for those more formal or traditional occasions.

    

7. Be well groomed.This should really go without saying, but I will tell you that regardless of your attire, your grooming should be polished. Look in the mirror before you go out. If you are wearing a shirt that should be ironed and tucked in, then by all means press it and tuck it in. If you are wearing leather shoes, they should be polished. Nail polish should be all “on” with no chips, or taken off, etc., etc.

    

8. Polish your table manners. You never know when this will come in handy—particularly when your grandmother wants to take you out to dinner; when you are having dinner with your significant other’s parents for the first time; or you are going to have your second interview with a company over lunch. Brushing up on your table manners can only be a good thing. You may never attend a formal six-course meal at Buckingham Palace, but you will be attending many dinners where you will be judged by your conduct at the table.

    

9. Refrain from constantly photographing yourself and everything you see and do for Instagram. I take photographs for Instagram, but I do so occasionally and when it is appropriate. Of course, I am sure you have more picture-worthy moments than I or your parents; nevertheless, when you are with “older” people who are not doing this, try be more selective about taking your phone out to photograph yourself or something you see. And perhaps, you don’t need to post everything you photograph on Instagram or Facebook.

    

10. Practice proper meeting and greeting skills. Nothing makes a better first impression or lasting impression than offering your hand for a firm handshake, accompanied by a smile and appropriate greeting for a person you are meeting—whether it is someone you have met before or are meeting for the first time. (Of course, you will be standing when you greet or are introduced to another person.) And, be mindful of the fact that when you are with friends, relatives, or business colleagues, it is your responsibility to introduce them if you encounter someone who is unknown to them or someone who does not know them. 

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, March 2019

Your education will get you in the door, but it is your soft, or “people”, skills that will help you land the job and launch a successful career. Soft skills are the new hard skills—the distinguishing qualities that will help you outclass the competition. Soft skills are the missing link between your education and success in the business world.

Following are The Etiquette School of New York’s top 10 tips for polishing your soft skills:

1.     Know the proper protocol for introducing yourself and others. Always have a prepared self-introduction for every interview and networking event you attend—one that will stimulate interest in you and highlight your USP (unique selling point). 

2.      Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture. These are considered your presence power points; they ‘speak’ volumes about your confidence and credibility as a person who is going places.

3.      Suit-up for success: wear appropriate business attire, and always make sure you  are well-groomed when you go for a job interview, networking event , or business meeting. Polished shoes translate to attention to detail. A polished appearance opens doors! 

4.      Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and don’t use slang, foul language, or filler words. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively  is essential to your success.

5.      Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times by using appropriate business language. Check your spelling, grammar and punctuation to be sure they are correct. 

6.      Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your landline or cell phone for business. Always identify yourself when placing and answering a call. Be prepared to leave a voice mail message when you place a call, since over half of all calls placed go to voice mail.

7.      Know what is considered appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when use your social networking tools. Every communication in the virtual, as well as the real world, is an opportunity to make a good impression. Often your first impression is made online, since HR professionals often Google your name to read about you before meeting you in person.                         

8.      Master the art of mingling, networking, and making small talk. Being skillful at mingling and networking will not only help you land a job, but it will also help you stand out in your new job.

9.      Be polished and professional at the dining table. Perfected dining skills and suitable table manners are a must! You may have an interview scheduled as a lunch so your potential employer can observe your dining skills and table manners; and there is no better or worse place to make an impression than at the table.        

10.   Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners.

You are invited to attend one of our “Social Success Makeover–Finishing School for Adults” group classes this summer. You will gain the etiquette knowledge and skill set needed to polish your soft skills and master the top 10 tips outlined above. There will be a class on June 13 and July 18 this summer. For additional information or to register for a class:  info@etiquette-ny.com. 

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

    Updated May 2018

Regardless of the color of the collar you are wearing now or will be wearing in the future, polished soft skills will be required for you to be successful in your job. But what are soft skills? Soft skills refer to a cluster of personal traits, including your work ethic, your attitude, your communication skills, and a host of other personal attributes that are crucial for success in business. Soft skills are also known as interpersonal skills, social skills, and people skills. Soft skills are 85% of success in getting a job, keeping a job, and moving up in an organization; technical skills or the knowledge required for a job account for 15%, according to research.

Following are 10 soft skills to cultivate to be successful in business:

1. Be interested in others and the world around you. People like people who are interested in them and the world around them—not just in themselves. “Your goal is to make others feel comfortable around you by focusing on them; and you can influence people’s perceptions of you by playing to their needs,” writes Camille Lavington in “You’ve Got Three Seconds.” Knowing what is going on in the world will not only make you appear less egocentric, but it will also equip you with conversation topics for everyone with whom you come into contact.

2.  Be a good listener and ask questions. “Research has consistently demonstrated that ineffective listening habits present the most common barriers to success in relationships and careers,” according to Larry Barker and Kittie Watson, authors of “Listen Up.” People like to know they are being heard and that their ideas are appreciated. By being a good listener, you let others know that you value them and what they have to say. Etiquette expert Letitia Baldridge says, “Politeness decrees that you must listen to be kind; intelligence decrees that you must listen to learn.”

3.  Be skilled at relationship management. “Relationship management is your ability to use your awareness of your own emotions and those of others to manage interactions successfully,” according to Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves, authors of “Emotional Intelligence 2.0.” People like to work with people they like, trust, and feel understand them. Today’s workplace can be very stressful; but when you are skilled at relationship management, you can more effectively work with your team members to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles to achieve a win-win scenario. 

4.  Be good natured; have a sense of humor. Be positive; try to make the best of situations; and don’t take yourself too seriously. A judicious and tasteful sense of humor can often deflate tense situations; and studies show having a sense of humor can help you get ahead at work. A Robert Half International survey, for instance, found that 91% of executives believe a sense of humor is important for career advancement; while 84% feel that people with a good sense of humor do a better job. Another study by Bell Leadership Institute found that the two most desirable traits in leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humor.

“A sense of humor is the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of  getting things done.”  -Dwight D. Eisenhower

5. Be a team player. “We’re all in this together; and let’s make it work” is an attitude that is appreciated by everyone. To paraphrase Harvard professor David Deming in his paper “The Growing Importance of Social Skills in the Labor Market,” “As work is becoming more team-oriented, workers with strong soft skills are more able to work well with others and will be considered more valuable, since good teamwork increases productivity.”

6. Be polished. Your appearance remains one of the main factors that will encourage others to work with and for you. It is important, not only in first impression, but also in ongoing interactions. It is the filter through which your talent, suitability, and communication skills will be evaluated. According to a research study by senior managers in the U.S.A., polish is by far the most important aspect of appearance. Whatever collar–or no collar–you wear, polish your appearance. Casual does not mean sloppy.

7.  Be confident. “Confidence is important because it is the most attractive personal brand attribute. When someone exudes confidence, we want to work with them; we are more likely to follow their lead,” says William Arruda, personal branding expert. And, “Employers will know they can trust you with a project and that you are likely going to be good at motivating others as well,” according to Dr. Katharine Brooks, author of  “You Majored in What? Your Path from Chaos to Career. “Fake it until you become it.”  advises Amy Cuddy, author of “Presence.”

 8. Be an effective communicator. Communication skills are some of the most important skills you will need to succeed in the workplace. “First communication is not so much what you say, but rather how you say it. And this you can condition and control,” according to Sylvania Ann Hewlett, author of “Executive Presence.” Your words and your body language must be congruent to be believable.

Furthermore, in order to be an effective communicator you must understand what your message is, what audience you are sending it to, and how it will be perceived. If is it not perceived the way you intended it be perceived, you did not effectively communicate your message. Seeing the world through the other person’s eye’s will help ensure your message is being accurately communicated.

9. Be skilled at making small talk. Small talk “breaks the ice;” it makes others feel comfortable and puts them at ease. It is the first level of a conversation; it is about the current situation—how you got there, the weather, the location, mutual friends or other connections. When you work in an office environment, making small talk and socializing with team members is essential for building rapport with them.

10. Be polite and treat everyone with respect. Good manners will be noticed and approved of, just as poor manners will work against one. Having good manners and a respectful attitude toward others will make people want to be around you—in and out of the office.

“Civility lifts perceptions of warmth and competence. Civility lifts people,” writes Christine Porath in her “New York Times” article (6/19/15) “No Time to Be Nice at Work.”.

  By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

  Updated: January 25, 2018

Congratulations Class of 2017!

Your hard-earned college degree will get you in the door, but it is your soft skills that will help you land a job. Soft skills are the new hard skills—the distinguishing qualities that will help you outclass the competition. They are the missing link between your education and success in the business world.

Following are The Etiquette School of New York’s top 10 business etiquette tips for new college graduates:

1.  Know the proper protocol for making introductions and introducing yourself.  Always have a prepared self-introduction for every interview and networking event you attend—one that will stimulate interest in you and make you memorable.

2. Shake hands with a firm grip, direct eye contact, and good posture. These are considered your presence power points and they ‘speak’ volumes about your confidence and credibility as a person who is going places.

3. Suit-up for success: wear appropriate business attire–the attire that is worn by those in your industry or profession–and always make sure you are well-groomed when you go for a job interview or to a business meeting. Polished shoes translate to attention to detail. A polished appearance opens doors!

4. Cultivate a strong, clear speaking voice; enunciate your words; and don’t use slang, foul language, or filler words. Knowing how to communicate clearly and effectively  is essential to your success.

5. Polish your electronic and written communications. Be professional: conduct yourself in a business-like manner at all times, using appropriate business language. Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

6. Learn what is considered professional and appropriate when using your landline and cell phone for business. Always identify yourself when placing and answering a call. Be prepared to leave a voice mail when you place a call, since over half of all calls placed go to voice mail.

7. Know what is appropriate, and what does not reflect positively upon you, when you use your social networking tools. Every communication in the virtual, as well as the real world, is an opportunity to make a good impression. Often your first impression is made online, since HR professionals often Google your name before meeting you in person.                 

 8. Master the art of mingling, networking, and making small talk. Being skillful at mingling and networking will not only help you get a job, but it will also help you stand out in your new job. 

9. Be polished and professional at the dining table: practice good dining skills and suitable table manners. You may have an interview scheduled as a lunch so your potential employer can observe your table manners; and there is no better or worse place to make an impression than at the table.

10. Practice good manners at all times! Civility counts! People remember people with good manners. 

By: Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick         Updated May 2017

As Emily Post once said, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.” Nowhere are manners more important than in the business world, especially at the office. Here, the way we behave, along with how well we do our jobs, determines what others will think of us. When we are courteous and give our coworkers, clients, and customers the best we have, we set ourselves apart from the competition and create long-lasting relationships. Etiquette and protocol knowledge, along with intelligence and hard work, and are the key to success in the working world.

Good manners make good business sense, since we all prefer to work with those who are polite, respectful, and mindful of others; and research shows it makes for a happier and more productive working environment.  Following are guidelines for professional business office decorum:

• Unclutter your work space. Your desk or work space is an extension of you. If it’s messy and cluttered, it will not reflect positively on you; and may negatively impact your career.  In fact, research shows that the owner of the organized and uncluttered desk has a higher chance of being promoted. A messy desk suggests its occupant is not conscientious, a trait that is one of the biggest predictors of success.

• Be on time. If you’re late on a regular basis, people will notice. While everyone is occasionally late, it shows lack of respect for your office and your coworkers to be late on a consistent basis. The same holds true for business meetings. It is never a good idea to arrive late for a business meeting. And never intentionally keep a client, or anyone else for that matter, waiting if at all possible.

• Greet your coworkers and clients.Each morning when you arrive at the office, greet your coworkers with a smile and a “Good morning” or “Hello.” If a client comes to your office to meet with you, always get up to shake hands with him or her—never stay seated and reach across the desk to shake hands. If you already know the person, but others in your office do not, it is your job to introduce them to each other.

   

• Be attentive.Whether in a meeting, on the phone, or sitting in a coworkers office, pay attention. It’s bad form to be caught with your mind wandering, or checking your messages on your cell phone, and to have no idea as to what actually took place. 

   

• Avoid having lengthy or personal conversations on your cell phone or land line when others can hear you. No one wants to hear you arguing with your husband or wife, or hear you telling your doctor about a health issue in great detail. Try to find a private location for these calls. And always, if you work in an open office, try to speak as softly as possible when talking on the phone.

   

• What to eat at your desk and how to eat it. Anything that is going to offend others, such as food that has a strong odor, should be avoided at the office. If you are in an area where others will see you eat, do mind your manners; and if you have a front-desk job, refrain from eating anything at your desk.

   

• Avoid annoying personal habits. Even the smallest personal habit can be annoying to coworkers when working in an open office setting. Things like constantly clearing your throat, blowing your nose, taking out your comb and combing your hair every five minutes, doing your nails, putting on makeup at your desk, taking vitamins, et cetera, can be annoying and distracting to others and make a bad impression. Use the restroom for doing these things.

• Practice good hygiene. As with food, strong body odors, as well as bad breath, must be avoided when working in close quarters at an office. A clean, fresh body odor that will not offend or distract colleagues is a must for the work environment. Strong scents—whether it be body odor, perfume or after-shave— can make the office an unpleasant working environment.
  

• Avoid becoming too involved in coworkers’ professional and personal lives. It is only natural to be interested in your coworkers’ lives and want to be friends with some of them, but you should be alert about becoming too involved with them in the beginning. It is, however, important to try to build rapport with your coworkers, since it is crucial to establishing a good reputation for yourself in the workplace; and it will pay off when you are working together on a project.

• Be friendly with your coworkers, but avoid behavior that could be misconstrued. Office romances will always be part of the workplace. However, now there is a heightened awareness of discrimination and harassment. What may seem like harmless flirting to you may not seem so to the recipient.
  

• Show respect for your coworkers’ time and possessions.  Don’t think that just because you are working in an office together, or especially in open office setting, that your coworkers are always available to talk to you. Always ask them if they have time to talk, or if it would be better if you came back later to discuss whatever it was you wanted to talk to them about. And it is never a good idea to take anything from a coworker’s desk without first asking them if it is okay to do so.

  The following are rude behaviors people most often admit to seeing in themselves.*

• Hibernates into e-gadgets

• Uses jargon even when it excludes others

• Ignores invitations

• Is judgmental of those who are different

• Grabs easy tasks while leaving difficult ones for others

• Does not listen

• Emails/texts during meetings

• Pays little attention to others

• Takes others’ contributions for granted

• Belittles others nonverbally

• Neglects saying please or thank-you

By:  Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, January 19, 2017

*Source: “No Time to Be Nice at Work” article in the New York Times, June 19, 2015 by    Christine Porath