There’s a certain kind of intelligence that doesn’t get enough credit in the workplace. It’s not about how well you can use Excel or how fast you reply to emails. It’s not even about your qualifications or how confidently you deliver presentations. It’s something quieter, more intuitive, but just as powerful. It’s interpersonal etiquette.
You know, the unspoken but deeply felt rules of social interaction that determine how people perceive and respond to you.
These little details—like how you introduce people, how you greet a colleague, or how you word an email can make or break relationships at work. They may seem small, but they speak volumes about your emotional intelligence and your awareness of the world around you.
In this post, we’re unpacking some of the essential interpersonal etiquette principles that help you thrive in professional settings whether you’re working remotely, in a hybrid role, or fully on-site. And no, this isn’t about being stiff or overly formal. It’s about being thoughtful, culturally aware, and respectful.
So, here goes…
1. Always Introduce the Junior to the Senior
This is one of those golden rules in business etiquette that too many people overlook. When making introductions, it’s polite to mention the junior person’s name to the senior person, not the other way around.
Why?
It shows respect for hierarchy and seniority, which is especially important in formal and multicultural work settings. But it also shows that you’re socially aware and tactful—qualities that go a long way in the professional world.
So, instead of saying
“Mr. Johnson, this is Tolu, our new intern.”
Say:
“Tolu, I’d like you to meet Mr. Johnson, our Regional Manager.”
Then step back and let them take it from there. If you’re on Zoom or Teams, do the same thing: acknowledge roles and context when introducing people, even if it’s just a 30-second icebreaker.
Pro tip: If you forget someone’s name or designation, don’t panic. Just say, “Let me reintroduce you both,” and then recover as best as you can. Honesty + effort goes a long way.
2. When in Doubt, Offer a Handshake—Not a Hug
Professional settings are not the place for overly familiar greetings, especially if you’re meeting someone for the first time. A handshake is neutral, polite, and generally acceptable across most cultures (although with some exceptions we’ll talk about shortly).
Now that we’re post-pandemic, handshakes are slowly making a comeback—but always read the room. If the other person extends their hand, go for it. If they don’t, offer a small nod and a smile instead.
And no, not everyone is a hugger. So unless you’re at a very informal office event or meeting a long-time colleague you’re genuinely close to, skip the embrace.
Also, for virtual meetings? Greet with a warm tone and body language. A simple “Good to meet you, I’ve heard great things!” while smiling at the camera can set a positive tone without physical contact.
3. Read the Room—Literally and Virtually
Whether you’re stepping into a boardroom or hopping on a Zoom call, always take a moment to read the energy. Is the mood light and casual? Or is everyone sitting upright and nodding seriously?
Adjust your tone accordingly. If everyone is calm and formal, don’t burst in with a “Hey fam!” and oversized energy. Likewise, if the group is relaxed and conversational, don’t come off like you’re auditioning for a political debate.
Being attuned to group dynamics is a skill that can save you from countless awkward moments.
Reading the room virtually includes
- Not interrupting people mid-sentence on calls
- Not switching off your camera when everyone else has theirs on
- Being mindful of your background and noise level
Small adjustments, big impressions.
4. Be Mindful with Slang, Short Forms, and Emojis
The internet has blessed us with a treasure trove of expressions—“LOL,” “TTYL,” “OMG,” and emojis that speak louder than words. But in professional communication, especially across cultures, it’s best to tread carefully.
Why? Because what feels like casual lingo to you could be confusing or even inappropriate to someone else. For instance, writing “FYI, that thing is sus fr fr 😭” to your international manager might earn you a puzzled look (or worse, silence).
Stick to clear, standard language. Use full words—especially when clarity matters. It doesn’t mean your messages have to be dry, but professionalism should always come first.
And if you must use emojis in internal chats, use them sparingly and contextually. A 👍 or 😊 is fine among colleagues you’re friendly with, but save the 😏, 🤯, or 😜 for your personal group chats.
5. Respect People’s Titles and Pronunciations
One of the quickest ways to build or break trust in professional settings is how you address people.
If someone goes by “Dr.,” “Prof.,” “Engr.,” or even “Mrs.”—use it. Unless you’re told otherwise, err on the side of formality.
Also, take a few seconds to learn and pronounce names correctly. Especially when working with international teams or clients. Asking for the right pronunciation shows effort, and getting it right shows respect.
Pro tip: If you’re unsure, you can say, “I want to make sure I’m pronouncing your name correctly—can you guide me?” People appreciate the thought.
6. Body Language Still Speaks Louder
You could be saying all the right things, but if your body language is out of sync, the message gets lost—or worse, misunderstood. Communication isn’t just verbal; it’s deeply nonverbal too.
Crossed arms? You may just be cold or comfy, but it often reads as closed-off or defensive. Avoiding eye contact? That can come across as insecure, distracted, or even disinterested. And leaning too close into someone’s space—whether you’re excited or just unaware—can feel overwhelming or invasive. These subtle cues can either build rapport or quietly erode it.
Even on virtual calls, your presence matters. How you sit, look, and sound all work together to communicate attentiveness and warmth or the lack of it.
Try to:
- Keep a relaxed, open posture
- Make appropriate eye contact (camera lens, not your face on the screen!)
- Nod occasionally to show you’re engaged
- Smile when greeting or closing a conversation
Presence is more than being physically there; it’s about showing up with awareness and intention. Whether you’re in Lagos, London, or logged in from your living room.
7. Respect Boundaries—Especially Time
Time is currency in the professional world. Being late for meetings, overshooting your allocated speaking time, or sending messages after work hours (unless urgent) shows a lack of boundaries—and respect.
If you have to reach out during someone’s off hours, preface with “Hey, I know this is outside regular hours—please feel free to respond when it’s convenient.” It’s a simple sentence that shows you’re thoughtful.
Also, don’t dominate conversations in group settings. Let others contribute. Listen more than you speak.
8. Follow Up—Graciously
Don’t let connections fade. After a meeting, interview, or any form of support, don’t ghost. Send a thank-you message or quick follow-up. It shows you’re not just transactional—you’re considerate, you value the relationship.
A quick message like, “Thanks again for your time. I appreciated the conversation and look forward to the next steps,” demonstrates both professionalism and genuine consideration.
That small gesture? It lingers. People remember how you made them feel, and graciousness always stands out.
9. Don’t Assume Familiarity
A shared laugh at lunch doesn’t mean you’ve fast-tracked into someone’s inner circle. It doesn’t give you the “bestie badge.”
In professional spaces, relationships take time to build. Let others set the tone for how informal or familiar the dynamic should be, especially when it comes to managers, clients, or senior colleagues.
Should you be friendly? Yes. But being overly chummy or too casual too soon? Not a great look. You might risk coming off as a people-pleaser or even worse, a sycophant.
Respect should remain the baseline, even during lighter moments. You can be warm, approachable, and authentic without crossing boundaries.
10. Practice Active Listening
This one can’t be stressed enough. Active listening means you’re not just hearing words, you’re understanding the message, picking up on tone, and responding thoughtfully.
Put your phone down. Nod to show you are engaged. Make direct eye contact. Be present Paraphrase what the person said if you’re unsure, and most importantly, resist the urge to interrupt.
Active listening is one of the most attractive professional skills you can develop.
Interpersonal etiquette isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being aware: being aware of how your words, actions, and habits affect the people around you.
People remember how you make them feel in the smallest interactions. The effort to pronounce a name right. The choice to listen without interrupting. These things stick.
So the next time you introduce someone, pause and get it right. Shake hands when appropriate, but never forget the power of a smile. Spell out that email clearly. Respect the clock. Say thank you, and above all, always read the room. You would come across different people in different settings, and how well you read the room can make or mar your relationships.
This is not an all-exhaustive list of professional etiquettes. You can find more tips in this Northeastern University article. Also, feel free to give us some more tips you have found helpful in the comments.
Stay frosty!
