A few years ago I was part of a working group whose membership was spread across Australia. We would often “meet” via teleconference to save time and travel costs. The meetings would usually start at 9.00am for the host site, which was 6am for me, so I usually had to get to the office quite early. Generally this worked okay, except for one day when I forgot about the teleconference. Just as I was getting out of bed this particular morning I received a phone call from the meeting organiser confirming the number they should call me on. Luckily I lived close to the office and set a new personal best time for showering and shaving, making it to the office just in time for the call. I also took advantage of the ‘hands-free’ function on my phone and got dressed while participating in the meeting. Luckily the other participants had no idea what I was doing, and even more so that it wasn’t a video-conference!
My point? In this digital age of texting, social media and “techno-meetings” we still need to ensure we are considerate of the people we interact with, by whatever means.
A helpful guide produced by Robert Half entitled ‘Business Etiquette: The New Rules in a Digital Age’ is an excellent resource addressing all forms of digital interactions and provides ways we can ensure we express ourselves effectively yet courteously and politely.
Some examples:
- Email – Think before you send ( the guide identifies that 78% of people have emailed the wrong message or copied someone without intending to) and be clear in your subject line what the email is about and what you want.
- Mobile Devices – Turn off your ringtone in meetings (if not the entire phone!) and remember that texting is no substitute for meaningful dialogue.
- Social Networking Sites – Ask before you tag people in photos and respect the fact that not every co-worker or boss wants to be your ‘Friend’ on Facebook.
- Phone, Video and Web Conferencing – Be inclusive by regularly inviting responses from those joining via phone or online, and (please) keep local time zones in mind!
The guide deals with so much more, including Twitter, professional networking sites(e.g. LinkedIn), instant messaging and more, and is a very useful resource for all organisations.
But at the end of the day, mistakes do happen, and as the report states, “…forgiving quickly could indeed be the best etiquette lesson of all.” So in the spirit of good etiquette, Paul R, all is forgiven.
What is your digital etiquette like? Are you a considerate user, or a digital abuser?
No matter where you are at, the Avondale Business School can advise your organisation on being effective in these areas – find out how by contacting Warrick Long at the Avondale Business School.
P: 02 4980 2168