The Importance of Professional Presentation and Etiquette

As a manager, I am always conscious of my company's image. Because of this, I ensure that I pay special attention to the ways in which my team conveys that image to clients and to the general public. However, I do not just analyse my own organisation. I am also keen to examine other organisations and the image created by their employees. I must admit, I often find myself judging and evaluating other companies based not on their products, services or reputation, but on how their employees represent themselves. This article will look at the image you and your colleagues create and the way this image defines your organisation.

Several weeks ago, I visited a Fortune 500 company to assess their training needs. After fighting our way through the crowded Shanghai streets, my Account Manager and I finally arrived at what appeared to be the ultimate dream office. As we passed through the main doors we were greeted by wall-to-wall marble, designer furniture, and amazing lighting. I felt like I was entering the world famous Rockefeller Centre in New York City. As we sat awaiting our host, I felt overwhelmed at how successful the organisation must be. Even the receptionist's teeth sparkled brilliantly. Everything looked perfect. It was safe to say that I was extremely impressed with the company's image.

Then, as I continued to marvel at my luxurious surroundings, three unkempt staff members walked past me. They had appeared from nowhere, entering the foyer through an immaculately hidden door. One was in dirty jeans, another was wearing a loose shirt and the last was eating a sandwich - dripping much of the contents across the previously pristine marble floor. Suddenly, all my illusions were shattered. I found myself thinking that despite the chic surroundings, this company was not so fabulous after all.

Dressed for Success

When I finally met the HR Director, I asked why support staff would be so dissheviled and I questioned the value of spending millions on a ‘perfect office' if the attendees looked uncared for. She explained that the employees I saw were support staff and they never went to see clients. I stopped her and said. "Yes, but the clients see them! I just did!"

I continually emphasise the importance of professional presentation at all times in my office. To facilitate this, I introduced a strict professional dress code. Since then, we have seen a huge lift in morale and all around professionalism. We quickly found that people behave in the same manner in which they present themselves. My team has started to dress for the job that they want, rather than the job that they have. And, guess what? They find themselves fast-tracked to the job that they always wanted, because of their professional appearance.

Casual in Every Way

The way you present yourself is the way people define you. If you look casual in the office, they will attach less value to you than someone who wears the power suit of a CEO. Some of your team may just be support staff, but the way they present themselves means that colleagues and clients assign them to the role that matches that presentation. It should be evident that the way you feel about yourself is reflected in the way you present yourself - the confidence you need to be successful can be seen in the way you dress. I see this with my staff everyday. When they walk into the office looking like potential CEOs, I can see the confidence pulsing through them.

Every time you speak to someone in a business environment, you are representing your company. Therefore, you cannot underestimate the value of professional presentation. However, top quality business etiquette does not just apply to how we present ourselves visually. It also applies to all of our business communication and behaviour. Professional business etiquette in networking, telephone technique, emails, meetings, dining, and the manner in which you deal with conflict will help you evolve into an expert communicator.

Imagine if all of your staff began to practice the highest level of business etiquette. The whole office would become more and more professional. Productivity would increase along with team morale. All of this leads to the positive company image that you want to present to your clients.

Take this quick quiz to measure your own business etiquette: