Memorandum Writing Tips, Essay Example

Market research and analysis clearly indicates that strong business etiquette and communications skills are important in the contemporary corporative scene of the 21^st century.

Personal Experience

As a School of Management alum and the local manager of an international accounting firm, I introduced four recently hired SOM student interns to an important client resulting in an unsuccessful lunch for the following reasons:

• One intern appeared to be texting throughout the meal
• One intern interrupted and corrected the client several times
• One intern made political jokes
• One intern wore inappropriate attire.

Aside from the situation being disappointing and potentially damaging to my professional reputation, I am concerned that it might negatively impact the reputation of a school that has greatly enhanced my experience and growth. After I called the client to apologize, I met with the four interns and expressed my concerns and disappointment. Since then, the interns have shown improvement in their behavior at work. Nonetheless, this experience has convinced me that the SOM needs to teach stronger business etiquette and communications skills to its students. It is for this reason that I am writing to you in order to share with you my conviction of the importance and benefit of such a course to not only you as a school but to your graduates as well.

The Importance of Appropriate Etiquette and Business Communications Skills

Research shows that first impressions are important (Alfaro, 2010).  Clients and prospective clients generally tend to hire and be impressed by people who appear sociable, friendly, poised, warm and well adjusted (Eagly et al., 1991; Wheeler & Kim, 1997). Observers are also quick to draw inferences on how individuals move, talk, and gesture (Borkenau et al., 2004). Market research indicates that business skills are even more important than technical skills to career success (Goulston, 2010). In this casual atmosphere of the United States, individuals may consider items such as manner and dress to be overdone, but research does show that observers still rate performance according to ‘good manners’ and that business clients or prospective clients assess the presenter as a walking mini-presentation of his company, service, and particular product.

Particularly in today’s global marketplace where language, customs and traditions span the rules and mores of diverse cultures, knowledge of and expertise in business etiquette is a prerequisite (Manor, 2009). Business can make and break over good customer skills and excellent communication skills as a purview of any of the successful up-and-coming companies will tell us. Rising stars on the corporate scene include India, Indonesia, China, Pakistan, and Peru. For business graduates to successfully compete in these environments they need to be schooled in effective communications skills (Jock, web). How else would they know how to interact and succeed?

Communications skills are important in other ways too. Olderman (1997) maintains that effective communication helps the individual to:

• Anticipate problems
• Make decisions
• Coordinate workflow
• Supervise others
• Develop relationships
• And promote products and services

Unfortunately, too many individuals do not know the rules of effective communication and professional etiquette. Were they to do so, they would be more successful.  It is for this reason that I urge the SOM to consider implementing a business etiquette and communication workshop or course into the SOM curriculum.

George Washington University (GWU)

A glance at GWU will reveal the importance of communication skills and effective business manners. Known as one of the most prestigious business schools in the country GWU succeeds by producing students who project the image, mannerisms and garb of polished, savvy, sophisticated, dynamic, and well-dressed professionals. Its alumni work ‘around the world,’ and help promote the institution’s image of “responsibility, passion, and globalization” through “ethical leadership and sustainable business practices.” GWSB takes pride in pointing out that its alumni work in high-profile executive positions and in Government and World Bank services. In sync with its positioning, the syllabus of GWSB focuses on teaching practical business skills that will help its graduates in the challenging sphere of international business. Its thrust is that it will make a difference in the world. Its mission is to produce graduates that will be “productive and principled members of society”, and it does this by presenting practical and experiential workshops that are heavily focused on business skills and effective communication.

The Costs

Establishing such a class should be neither costly nor laborious. Effective people from within or without the school grounds could be readily obtained to present the curriculum. The rules or communication and business etiquette are few, but they are the best professional tools that any businessperson can possess in order to attain success.

People attempt to do business with those who please them and in the corporate world of the 21st century a course on effective communication and strong business skills will help you in spades.  By implementing such a course, you will not only produce alumni who will achieve greater vocational and personal success but you will also augment your own reputation. I will be more than glad to discuss the issue with you at your own convenience and leisure.

Sources

Alfaro, M. (2010) Business Manners: an Important Ingredient to Success. Sales vantage.com http://www.salesvantage.com/article/858/Business-Manners-an-Important-Ingredient-to-Success

Borkenau, P., Mauer, N., Rieman, R., Spinath, F. & Angleitener, A. (2004).  This slices of behavior as cues of personality and intelligence. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 86, 599-614.

Eagly, A.H., Ashmore, R., Mahkijani, M., & Longo, L.C. (1991). What is beautiful is good, but..: A meta-analytic review on the physical attractiveness stereotype.  Psychological Bulletin, 110, 109-128

Goulston, M. (2010). Just listen. USA: American Management Association.

George Washington School of Business. Web. http://business.gwu.edu/

International Business Etiquette and Manners.  http://www.cyborlink.com/

Jock, F. The importance of communication skills in businesses. http://www.helium.com/items/1224659-business-communications-communication-skills-communications-productivity

Manor, N. (2009) Business Communication Etiquette. Ezine article http://ezinearticles.com/?Business-Communication-Etiquette&id=284883

Olderman, R.M.  (1997) Ten minute guide to business communication.  New York: Alpha Books

Wheeler, L. & Kim, Y. (1997). What is beautiful is culturally good.  Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin,23, 795-800.