Gentlemen at Work

A gentleman’s office is his domain. He excels there, not only professionally, but personally. The modern gentleman exudes confidence and charisma, but stays modest and professional. Whether you’re self-employed or you’re in a cubicle at big-time corporate headquarters, every day is a chance to compose yourself like the modern gentleman you are.

There is an unspoken code of conduct based on workplace rules and subtle office etiquette.  Your actions speak louder than words, whether you’re the meeting the new intern or your boss’s boss. A true gentleman stands out in the workplace and is rewarded for his effort—isn’t it time you got some recognition?

Here are three important tips for following this gentleman’s code at work.

Having a Good Handshake Makes All the Difference

Because handshakes occur during introductions and farewells, they’re part of your first impression and your last impression. A firm handshake not only signals confidence, but also a high degree of respect and understanding. Most importantly, it helps you exude experience and professionalism.

A proper handshake comes during an introduction, a professional decision, or when parting ways. You should keep your conversation going during the shake to “seal the deal” or just distract yourself from grabbing each other’s hands—it shouldn’t be an awkward experience. To prevent giving an awkward handshake, make sure your hands aren’t clammy and damp beforehand, keep your hand level and perpendicular to the ground, have a strong—but not intimidating—grip on the other’s hand. Release after about three seconds, or a couple of solid “pumps.”

For a full list of tips, check out Monster.com’s guide to business handshakes.

Smiling: Send the Right Signals About Your Work

An authentic smile can go a long way in the workplace. It shows people you’re happy about your job, makes them feel at ease around you, and it gives you a better reputation around the office.

Even if you’re not the type to smile often, you should make an effort to show your coworkers that you’re happy with your work and you’re happy with them. To help yourself smile, do things that make others smile: give compliments, accept compliments from others warmly, say “please” and “thank you,” and let your coworkers know you appreciate them and their work. Not only will your coworkers think you’re a happy person, you’ll actually feel happier too. Don’t force a smile—it should come naturally. A fake grin will make you seem disingenuous.

Remembering Names Is the Key To Success

We’ve all been there before. You just met someone and you need to get their attention, but their name is totally lost on you. This can add a ton of unnecessary stress to your daily responsibilities—stress that’s completely avoidable with a few simple techniques.

Repetition is a surefire method to remembering somebody’s name. When you talk to them, address them by their name every chance you get. By repeating their name, you personally validate them and you’re helping yourself remember their name at the same time.

Word association is another great memorization trick. Associate someone’s name with the first thing that comes to mind. Think of a fruit that starts with the first letter of their name. If their name reminds you of something significant or funny, associate them with that memory. Association makes your name memory much stronger than just trying to put a name to a face. Association works with individual facts and tidbits people share with you. When your coworkers tell you about themselves, be attentive and interested, and use their stories to help you remember them.

For a complete list of ways to remember everyone’s names, check out this great piece on Forbes.

Whether you’re a seasoned employee or a new hire, use these simple tips to perform better in the workplace. The gentleman that can master workplace etiquette will further their career and be be happier and healthier around the office.