Rediscovering My Work Etiquette

While browsing the net for some healthy sites, I've come across with this article about this particular work etiquette. And although I can write decent emails and stuff (ahem), I couldn't help but become curious of this article entitled "Email Etiquette - Tips for Professional Email". I know there are lots of tipsters on almost everything on the internet, but this one caught my attention. So, I decided to copy some parts of it here. It's actually written by Dawn Rosenberg McKay from About.com.

1. Mind Your Manners - Think of the basic rules you learned growing up, like saying please and thank you. Address people you don't know as Mr., Mrs., or Dr. Only address someone by first name if they imply it's okay to do so.

2. Watch Your Tone - Merriam-Webster defines tone as an "accent or inflection expressive of a mood or emotion." It is very difficult to express tone in writing. You want to come across as respectful, friendly, and approachable. You don't want to sound curt or demanding.

3. Be Concise: Get to the point of your email as quickly as possible, but don't leave out important details that will help your recipient answer your query.

4. Be Professional: This means, stay away from abbreviations and don't use emoticons (those little smiley faces). Don't use a cute or suggestive email address for business communications.

5. Use Correct Spelling and Proper Grammar: Use a dictionary or a spell checker — whichever works better for you. While you can write in a conversational tone (contractions are okay), pay attention to basic rules of grammar.

6. Ask Before You Send an Attachment: Because of computer viruses, many people won't open attachments unless they know the sender. Even that can be a mistake because many viruses come disguised in email messages from someone you know. Before sending an attachment, ask the recipient if you may do so.

7. Wait to Fill in the "TO" Email Address: Career Planning Site visitor Larry Batchelor says, "I never fill in the 'TO' email address until I am completely through proofing my email and I am sure that it is exactly the way that I want it. This will keep you from accidentally sending an email prematurely. In the past, I have accidentally clicked on the send icon, when I really meant to click on the attachment icon."

It's quite helpful and invigorating reading these tips because it has a lot to do with my job. Despite the fact that I sort of know these things already (and it's a relief that I'm doing my thing properly), I really appreciate to have come across with this email etiquette tips before committing any mistake.

Anyway, here's the link for more work etiquette tips: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/communication/a/email_tips.htm

I was kind of emotional while writing the previous posts, hehe. So… let’s go to the very topic on becoming the best in your craft. Well, we all do know that a company’s most important asset is its people – the employees. But do all companies recognize this?

Perhaps not, for many employees are still so used up by their bosses. And when they are no longer feasible, they are thrown out and substituted – just like a disposable thing - when it does not perform the way it used to, the owner will just throw it away and get another one.

I know it is crazy to compare humans to equipment; but that’s the way it is. Do you know how close some companies treat their equipment and their employees? Employees are hired, assigned to their tasks, and are expected to perform at maximum capacity for as long as possible. And when they are no longer usable, they are discarded and replaced.

I cannot help but think of the things I said on my previous blog. I couldn't believe myself. Was it really me spilling the beans out of the bag? Career-wise (or shall I say because of low self-esteem), I never complained about anything when it comes to my job. Every time my attention was being called by my superior, there is always this thing that comes in my mind; I did something wrong again. I admit I had blunders in the past. They were all part of my struggle in the real world, perhaps the so-called lessons that would mold me into a better person.

But alas! Those struggles were not considered as part of my learning. Instead, it was regarded as condemnation of my persona. It was like I am in the middle of an arena full of scrutinizing spectators. I was noticeable whenever I took the wrong step but disregarded of commendable doings. Probably that drained the assertiveness in me. I started to become coward, to become passive, and took all the crappy things those people tried to stuff in my head.

Then something happened that drew me away from that nightmare. I realized I can never be who I am if I continue to be under those Mr./Ms.-know-it-all people. I became conscious of what was really going on; it was a wake up call for me. The fear of losing my job was still there, but the hunger for freedom dominated my whole being. Yes, I left the arena where I was in, with high hopes that I can find a place where freedom and respect are defended.

Needless to say, we all have our dream jobs. Some of us think of a hefty salary, while others think of comfort and healthy relationship at work. Mind you, I belonged to the group who does hunger for a highly-paid job. I have worked my #&s out, landed from one company to another just to fill my bill. Well luckily, I had it - thanks to my undaunted patience and my Master's guidance.

Working for that company was a baptism of fire for me. I was so clueless of how things run there. I did not even know how to do my job. Funny, eh? Anyway it was frightful but challenging. Months passed and I became so overwhelmed by how things went on. I wanted to quit. But because of my new-found friends' support and advice, I continued my blind-folded journey with hopes that I could emerge from the dark pit that I was in.

Becoming a good employee is not learned overnight. It is an ongoing learning process with hindrances along the way. But once you do well in your task and develop a healthy relationship with your boss and workmates, it sure is the start of you becoming the best in your craft.

But what if your boss does not have the leadership, does not have empathy to his employees, and thinks of just saving his neck all the time? Who only listens to his self-centered comrades of higher ranks that treat ordinary company people like dirt? Sad but true. If you are with these people at work, chances are you will sooner face the pitfall of your career, thus leaving you battered just like what happened to me.