ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL

FOR BUSINESS EXECUTIVES

gbenga X-adebija
www.businessinnigeria.com.ng
SEMINAR FACILITATOR
gbenga X-adebija is an alumnus of the
University of Ilorin, University of London
and the Lagos Business School. During his
career at Cadbury Schweppes, he won the
companys Award for Excellence, the
highest and most prestigious Award in
Cadbury for consistently excellent
performance. He also is a recipient of the
Global Brand Leadership award conferred
by the World Brand Congress.
He is also a consultant to local and
international clientele such as the Federal
Government of Nigeria, several state
Governments and International
organizations such as DFID, Adam Smith
International, V.O.X and Rotary
International. He is the President & CEO of
Business In Nigeria.
 SEMINAR OVERVIEW
What is P & E?
History & Etymology(A look back in time..)
Stakeholder Profile
Impact Areas
Benefits
P & E for Business Executives
Quiz on P& E
Role Play
Action Planning
Conclusion.
WHAT IS PROTOCOL?
A system of rules that explain
the correct conduct and
procedures to be followed in
formal situations.
 WHAT IS ETIQUETTE

A set of rules that govern

the expectations of social
and professional behavior
in a workplace, group or
society
 ETIQUETTE A TICKET

Original meaning: A ticket

proving that the bearer
knew the rules required
for admittance /Rules of
Engagement.
STAKEHOLDER PUBLICS

FRIENDS

FAMILY PEERS &

COLLEAGUES

Y-O-U

GENERAL
CLIENTS & PUBLIC
CUSTOMERS
 A LOOK BACK
In the 3rd millennium BC, Ptahhotep wrote The Maxims of
Ptahhotep. The Maxims were conformist precepts extolling such
civil virtues towards one's fellow beings.
Confucius (551479 BC) was a Chinese teacher, editor, politician,
and philosopher whose philosophy emphasized personal and
governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice
and sincerity.
Louis XIV (1638-1718) "transformed a royal hunting lodge in
Versailles, a village 25 miles southwest of the capital, into one of
the largest palaces in the world, officially moving his court and
government there in 1682.
THE IMPACT OF CULTURE ON ETIQUETTE

CLASS DISCUSSION
PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE
MEETING
SOCIAL
NETIQUETTE
(Meet & Greet)

WINING
& DRESS
DINING

PROTOCOL &
WORKPLACE ETIQUETTE SPEECH
 P& E IN THE WORKPLACE
Respect the Organizational
Culture
-Dress
-Speech
-Conduct
-Performance Standards
-SOPs
 BENEFITS OF P& E
Gives professionals the tools to impress clients
and colleagues.
It puts others at ease so that business can be
conducted
Gives the organization an overall polished,
professional image.
Builds confidence and helps create a winning
personal brand.
 WINING & DINING
Table Manners
Dress Code
Hygiene
Conversation
General Interaction
 WINING & DINING(2)
Fold your napkin in half with crease toward you
Phone on silent/vibrate and in your custody
Start only when everyone every one else has been served.
Buffets are the exception
Put butter first on your plate, not directly onto your bread.
Sip from the side of the spoon, not front
Dont put your elbows on the table
Dont pick your teeth openly and dont leave tooth pick in
mouth
Dont talk with food in your mouth
Don't blow on your food to cool it off.
 W
I NI NG & DI NI NG( 3)
Dont pass or reach for food items across someone elses
food
Dont sneeze or blow your nose. If you do, apologise to
nobody in particular
Dont slurp or belch.. Ever!
Dont splash water when washing your hands
Dont complain about the food and compare quality with
previous meals.
Dont eat with your fingers except it is the custom
Always scoop food, using the proper utensil, away from you.
Dont whistle or hiss to get the waiters attention
 NETIQUETTE
Dont use abbreviations particularly to a new acquaintance or
professional colleague.
If you did not initiate the phone call, wait for the caller to drop
first.
Dont use exclamation marks or block letters except to convey
appropriate sentiments.
Dont be a public nuisance..
Dont delay responses to emails or text messages.
Dont call incessantly if phone not picked up.. Send a text message.
If you cannot answer your call, send a discreet text message
Always sign off your emails.
Dont flaunt your phone or make comparisons to other brands.
 MEETING ETIQUETTE
Dont go late to the meeting
If for any reason you will be delayed or absent,
communicate same in advance.
Dont eat, make phone calls or cause any other
disruptions.
Understand and play your role at the meeting
Dont sleepEver!
Dont introduce extraneous agenda
Dont interrupt or resort to any form of physical or
verbal intimidation.
 SOCIAL ETIQUETTE
Handshakes should be firm and last for about 3-4
seconds.
Dont offer your finger tips or engage in a limp
handshake.
Dont hug or kiss except appropriate.
Avoid all personal remarks to new acquaintances
(weight, body specifications, etc).
Pay careful attention to your breath and mouth odour.
Dont use vulgar or swear words..
Avoid sexist, ethnic or religious comments.
 SOCIAL ETIQUETTE(2)
Use formal/official titles while referencing others in a formal
gathering.
Dont use your own formal/official titles while referencing
yourself.
Men should not extend their hands to shake ladies.
Younger person should wait for the ok from an older
person to use a first name.
Whoever arrives at the door first, should open it for the
other person especially if a female is walking behind.
Dont say Hi to older acquaintances
 DRESS ETIQUETTE
Dont wear belt and braces
The colour of your belt must match the colour of your shoes.
Men should not put bulky items in their pockets
If you wear anything sleeveless, kindly ensure your armpits are clean
shaven.
Make sure your socks are long enough to never show flesh, even when
sitting down and cross legged.
Never wear your sunglasses at night or indoors
Women should never wear clothes tight enough to show visible panty
lines.
Make sure your tie reaches your waistband exactly.
Dont bite your nails.. Get a manicure
 DRESS ETIQUETTE(2)
Dont wear a hat indoors*
Use subtle and not harsh perfumes(Your perfume should not announce
your presence or show in photographs)
Dont ever sit with legs apart.. Even men.
Loud and bright colours are usually not advisable especially for men(Green
Jacket, Yellow Shirt, Red tie)
Dont over-accessorize Bangles, rings, etc etc.
Dont wear neon colored strap watches.
Shoes should be always clean and polished.
Make sure your glasses fit
Make sure your clothes fit
Moderate make-up is advisable(for women)
 ROLE PLAY

CLASS ACTIVITY

23
PROTOCOL & ETIQUETTE

QUIZ!!!!
 QUIZ QUESTIONS
Your boss, Mr. Lagbaja enters the room when you are meeting with an important client, Mr
Tamedun. You get up and say Mr Lagbaja, I would like you to meet Mr. Tamedun , our
client from London. Is this correct?
At a social function you meet the CEO of a big organisation. After a brief chat you give
him your business card. Is this correct?
A man should wait for a woman in business to extend her hand for a handshake. True or
false?
A drink should be held in the right hand at a cocktail party. True or false?
When eating bread in a restaurant, you should: (a) Butter the whole piece of bread, pick it
up, and eat one bite at a time. b) Break off a bite-sized piece of bread and then butter and
eat one bite at a time
When you are dining in a restaurant and you accidentally drop your fork on the floor, do
you:
(a) Pick it up, wipe it off, and use it anyway (b) Pick it up, give it to the server, and ask him to
bring you another one (c) Leave it on the floor and ask the server to bring you another
one
When you are finished eating, your napkin should be a) Folded loosely and placed on the
right side of your plate b) Folded loosely and placed on the left side of your plate (c ) Folded
loosely and placed on the center of your plate (d) Folded and placed in the center of your
chair
THE END

E-----------Ese gan
N------------Nagode
D.Dalu