Gradually turning into summer, May brought us the first learning-sharing day since the founding of Gaopeng Corporate University – a session on business etiquette. Prior to this, all Gaopeng employees had studied dining culture and interpersonal etiquette in their spare time, gaining some familiarity with the course content. Therefore, at this sharing session, our colleagues were all eager to demonstrate their learning outcomes.
The importance of business etiquette is mainly reflected in two aspects. From the individual perspective, mastering business etiquette can improve personal refinement, enhance one's image and life, effectively promote social interaction, and improve interpersonal relationships.
From the corporate perspective, good business etiquette not only helps shape a company's image, but also improves customer satisfaction and reputation, and contributes to achieving cooperation.
The learning content was divided into three modules: business attire etiquette, business etiquette, and business Chinese-dining etiquette. The research group responsible for the month's theme sharing acted as instructors in this session, presenting a wonderful etiquette course to all employees with diverse and engaging formats.
1. Business Attire Etiquette
Using rich cases and interactive activities, the lecturer explained the role and standards of professional attire during office hours and business trips. Since Gaopeng is a foreign trade company, there is no uniform dress code for employees – being appropriately dressed is sufficient. However, after the course, our colleagues unanimously agreed that business attire does improve one's spirit and presence. After discussion, it was decided to adopt 'with collar and sleeves' as the unified dress code for Gaopeng, allowing everyone to choose their attire within this scope.
Figure 1: The lecturer explaining different styles of suit collars.
Figure 2: President Liu personally demonstrating how to tie a tie.
2. Business Etiquette
In the workplace, a very small detail can create a good or bad impression, so interpersonal etiquette is especially critical here. China is a land of etiquette. Many times we want to behave properly and courteously, but due to a lack of systematic learning, we overlook many details, and unintentional mistakes may leave a poor impression on clients. Therefore, this segment focused on details, and everyone was especially attentive.
The lecturer elaborated on etiquette details that are often overlooked in daily workplace life, covering smiling, phone calls, handshakes, visits, receptions, and more. For example, smiling should follow the principle of 'three meters, eight teeth'. We all know what eight teeth means; 'three meters' means you should show your smile when you are three meters or even farther away from the client, rather than waiting until you are right in front of them, in order to appear sincere. Another example: when shaking hands, it should be the person receiving the respect who extends their hand first, never rashly. When shaking hands with a woman, you should not press your thumb web against hers; instead, gently hold her fingertips as a sign of respect. It is believed that through this training, Gaopeng people will pay better attention to details and provide clients with a better experience.
Figure 3: The lecturer explaining how to shake hands with women.
3. Business Chinese-Dining Etiquette
Gaopeng has its own canteen. In the past, we have often invited clients to dine there at noon. The canteen staff would prepare delicate and delicious meals, which were well recognized by clients. But have we been doing the right thing when it comes to dining etiquette? In this segment, the lecturer explained the details based on Gaopeng's actual situation and set standards, hoping to bring a pleasant and comfortable dining experience to more clients.
After all three stages of the course, everyone felt they had gained a lot. They not only learned knowledge, but also would take this content as behavioral norms and apply it well in business social interaction. Just like the business philosophy Gaopeng has always upheld, they are truly achieving 'unity of knowledge and action'.
