Workplace Etiquette Quiz

Your boss shows up late to a meeting that is about to conclude. You should: (A) Thank her for stopping by; politely interrupt the person speaking at the meeting and debrief your boss on the agenda (B) Slightly nod when she enters but continue with the meeting without bringing her up to speed (C) Once the session is over, tell her that it is bad practice to show up late for meetings (D) Openly criticize your boss about being tardy upon her arrival

(A) It may seem like an excellent opportunity to exploit your boss's weaknesses, especially if one of them is showing up late for meetings but ignoring your boss's presence at the meeting or criticizing her will only reflect on your lack of professionalism. On the other hand, being courteous and bringing your superiors up to speed ensures they can count on you in the future.

Your office culture allows you to keep personal items on your desk and in your cubicle. You: (A) Fill your desk with pictures of family and friends, kids' artwork, favorite knick knacks, and (B) Balance personal and office items in your cubicle. One in five objects on your desk can be personal (C) Avoid displaying anything other than work-related items on your desk. It is inappropriate to your attention. (D) Your cubicle is a mess of scattered papers, so you do not have any space for personal items

(B) Having too many personal items on your desk can make you look unprofessional. Studies by University of Michigan suggest that people have a mental image of how a strong businessperson should appear and too many reminders of personal life weaken that image.

Emails should be replied to within ___ hours while phone calls should be returned within ___ hours. (A) 48, 24 (B) 24, 4 (C) 4, 24 (D) 24, 24

(B) Replying to an official email promptly is not only a good habit; it is also mark of efficiency. Besides the longer you wait to reply to an email, the bigger pile of emails you'll have to weed through. Also, even when you have discussed the subject of an email verbally, sending a return email is a good follow up process.

Should you connect with your boss on Facebook or Twitter? (A) Yes (B) No

(B) The rules of the game have changed with business networking taking place digitally. As such you may need to connect with co-workers and bosses on social media platforms to improve your company's online presence. For this, use more professional social media sites such as LinkedIn and official Twitter accounts. Facebook is still considered a more personal network. Personal accounts of frustration or plain opinion on your Facebook wall can create an impression on your boss that may not work well for you.

13. Where should friends and family wait when visiting you at work? (A) At your work station (B) In the waiting area, break room, or cafeteria (C) In your co-worker's cubicle who is out of the office (D) In the bathroom

(B) Unless it is 'bring your family' day at work, keep visitors in the waiting area or cafeteria if you don't have the former.

You disagree with a point your boss made at your weekly brainstorming session. You: (A) Randomly blurt your opposition in front of everyone (B) Politely disagree and suggest an alternative idea (C) Ask to meet personally with your superior once the session is done to voice your objections (D) Complain to your coworkers behind your boss's back

(C) Having something valuable to say even when it goes against what your superiors think is one of many traits a good company looks for in their talent. But you don't want to step on your boss's toes while exhibiting this unique quality. Voice your difference of opinion personally and politely while explaining the rationale behind your disagreement.

Your favorite song is playing on the radio. You: (A) Dance around the office with the music blasting on your speakers (B) Listen to the music with your headphones at a loud volume so others can also hear (C) Listen to the music with your headphones at a low volume so as not to disturb others nearby (D) Listen to the music with noise-cancelling headphones, so you can't hear when others request your attention

(C) Listening to music to cancel distractions like background noise works well for open offices. In some cases, it can even improve performance. But be careful not to impose your love of music on others. Enjoy it in solitude with your headphones at a low volume, so the sound does not escape, and you can easily hear your co-workers and superiors when they call you.

4. You invite an out-of-town client to dinner to discuss work; you should: (A) Take them to your favorite sports bar that's showing an important game (B) Take them to an upscale French restaurant with a romantic ambience (C) Ask for their preference and pick an appropriate restaurant (D) Invite the client to your office to eat fast food

(C) Offer your client some suggestions and let them pick the restaurant unless they don't care. Take special notes about their dietary preferences and any food-allergies if any. You don't want to take a vegan to a steakhouse!

Which of the following is not good email etiquette? (A) Keeping your email brief and to the point (B) Putting the purpose of the email in the subject field (C) Sending funny YouTube videos and personal emails to co-workers (D) Using a signature that includes your contact information following your message

(C) Okay, so maybe they laughed at your cute cat video once. That's no excuse for flooding your co-workers' inbox with non-work related content and off-topic emails Keep it short, polite, and official

Your friend from college joins your company in a superior role to you. How should you interact with her in the office? (A) Talk informally and don't take her orders seriously (B) Show disdain and jealousy because she was offered a higher position while you weren't (C) Break your friendly ties with her completely and maintain only a professional relationship (D) Treat her like a superior in the office and as a friend outside

(D)

You are running 15 minutes late to a meeting with a client. What should you do? A) Stop what you're working on and leave for the meeting immediately (B) The client is your friend, he will wait as long as you want (C) Your client won't mind waiting, 15 minutes is nothing (D) Call the client and tell him that you'll be there in a few minutes

(D) Alert your client about arriving late to the meeting. Don't make traffic excuses. Apologize for being late and do your best to contribute productively to the purpose of the meeting. Your tardiness can affect your prospects with future clients too.

It is a Casual Friday, but you have a meeting with a client. How should you dress that day? (A) Casually (B) A little nicer than usual, but nothing too formal (C) In your pajamas (D) In business casual

(D) Dressing comfortably (read: sloppily) can give your client the impression that this is the way you handle business too. If it's casual Friday at work and you're meeting a client, dress up comfortably yet smart. Pressed khakis, crisp button down shirt, closed toe shoes work nicely. Women can opt for comfortable pants or basic skirts and blouse in neutral colors. Makeup and jewelry should be minimal.

Choose the correct answer. Unlike social etiquette, office and business etiquette are primarily based on: (A) Hierarchy and power (B) Personal relations between co-workers (C) Common sense and courtesy (D) Option a and c

(D) People who meet under social circumstances are generally considered equal with some exceptions for age among other things. However, when socializing within the office or a professional environment, ranks and hierarchy dictates etiquette.