Acknowledgements in Business Relationships ……Birthdays, Illness, Weddings, Death

Do you ever wonder about the right thing to do when a coworker’s birthday is approaching, or someone in the office is going into the hospital for surgery? How about the wedding that is coming up that you were invited to attend. Perhaps a colleague’s family member died and you want to acknowledge their passing. Our working relationships are very important and require certain attention. Acknowledging events in people’s lives is a very positive way nurturing that relationship.

The etiquette of acknowledgements is really about thinking in advance and doing something. We all have ideas about etiquette, but having this information present in our minds makes us more apt to do something about events when they happen instead of overlooking them or sending belated wishes.

Birthdays

Is simply saying “Happy Birthday” enough? How about an E-mail with flashing emoticons sending your sentiments; does that really do the trick? A snail-mailed store bought card; that should do it, you might think. Or maybe a phone message accompanied with the singing of a birthday tune or simply saying your wishes. You can also consider a text message; that is short, sweet and simple. There are all sorts of ways to communicate your remembrance of someone’s birthday, and it is important to reach the celebrant in a way that is meaningful to them; not necessarily what is easiest. Think of the recipient and what they respond to best. If they are visual and tactile, send a card. If they are a tech type, an e-mail or text might be just right. Sometimes a brief phone call says it all.

Illness

When a co-worker is in the hospital for surgery or an illness, the best thing to do is send a card with you best wishes. Phone calls can be disruptive and cell phone texts are frowned upon because of the forbidden use of cell phones in many hospital areas. Group cards also have a nice touch. A real no no is to call a very sick person and request work information. Be sensitive to their condition.

Weddings

The card wins again for the best way to communicate your best wishes. A greeting card is preferred to an e-mailed card.

Death

A sympathy card, a mass card or a handwritten note of sympathy and encouragement are all appropriate ways of sending condolences to a co-worker. In a working relationship it is best not to ignore a death; it is much better to acknowledge your sentiments and demonstrate to your co-worker that you care.

No mention about gifts or other forms of acknowledgement; simply the personal touch.

Joan R. Stokely (jrs@thesocietyofdiplomacy.com) is the President of The Society of Diplomacy, Inc., a protocol and etiquette consulting firm. We offer extraordinary training programs for corporate professionals who desire greater success in their careers. Increase your knowledge of business protocol and etiquette, your corporate image, international intelligence and social skills by attending programs specifically designed for you.

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