8 workplace mannerisms that create a good impression

Remember how our parents constantly told us to behave a certain way? “Sit properly.”, “Greet them.”, “Where are your manners?”, “Don’t answer back!”. As children, we thought they were nagging. But now we know they were trying to teach us basic manners that mattered a great deal. 

Not just in personal life but also when you’re in a professional environment, your mannerisms can create a positive or negative impression. So, here are 8 workplace habits you can inculcate to make not just yourself but also other people feel good about you.

1. Greet your co-workers. A ‘good morning’ when you enter the office and a ‘see you tomorrow’ when you leave the office can go a long way in building better working relationships and a positive impression. 
2. Hold the door for people behind you. When they’re a junior, senior, man, woman, or other, hold the door open for people behind you. Always look out for people coming after you so you don’t accidentally slam the door on them. Let them enter the room before you close the door. 
3. Stand up from your seat. If a colleague comes to your desk to discuss something, stand up if the conversation is taking too long or ask them to take a seat. Never keep them waiting too long while you continue to do your work; address their concern first. 
4. Clean your desk. Organize your desk and keep it clean. Don’t occupy the desk space of those who sit on either side. Also, make sure you throw any waste on your desk before you leave for the day.
5. Ask; don’t command. Especially if you’re someone’s boss, it may feel correct to command or instruct when assigning a task. But the better way is to be polite and firm. For example, instead of saying, “Start working on this and submit by tomorrow”, you can say, “Can you start working on this document? Try to finish it by tomorrow.”
6. Make eye contact. When someone is delivering a speech, explaining a problem, asking a question, or just talking to you directly, pay attention. Listen to them while you make eye contact, and don’t cut them off.
7. Dress well. Many corporate companies do not enforce a dress code, which means you can dress casually. But also understand where to draw the line. Always try to choose comfortable clothes that also make you look presentable.
8. Sit properly. There may not be a written rule for ways to sit at a workplace, but you should know what’s appropriate and what isn’t. Be comfortable as well as decent and respectful to others around you. 

Although these mannerisms are very simple to adapt, they greatly impact how people perceive you. Follow and impress!