9 Steps for Engineers to Develop Good Business Etiquette

Technologist, including engineers, are often unfairly labeled and stereotyped as lacking soft skills when it comes to interacting with other people.  Words like ‘quirky’, ‘introverted’ and ‘rambling’ are often used to describe technologists and how they interact with others.  After more than 15 years in the medical device field working side by side with my engineering colleagues I’m convinced these adjectives unfairly characterize many technologists, yet the use of these descriptions continues to permeate conversations rather consistently. ​

Whether you’re a technologist or not, the simple truth is we all could use a little help in upgrading ourselves professionally.  Continual improvement is a cornerstone for a good professional and so is proper business etiquette.   If you’re looking for a way to improve how you show up, including how those around you perceive you, consider the following nine steps to boost your business etiquette:
 
1.       KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
A wonderful acronym to say the least.  Those of us who like to tinker and develop products  have a tendency to overcomplicate the outcome, as well as our communication.  When we ‘over engineer’ our ideas, products or conversations it shows a lack of understanding for the true need as well as our ability to hold back personal interest before company needs.  Good business etiquette in this area is when we build awareness around the importance of keeping things simple which focuses on driving greater realized value for the end user.  “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci
 
2.       Understand the Big Picture
Technologist can be stereotyped as not understanding the company’s bigger picture and its goals as a business.  Its important engineers slow down to take the time to understand how their role impacts the business, especially how their decisions impact things downstream.  When we understand the big picture we’re able to remove ourselves from our preconceived notions and think like business professionals, not just technology developers.  This becomes crucial when we’re making decisions early in the product development process on product needs versus how that need supports the company’s mission and the needs within the marketplace.  Just because something is a great feat of engineering awe doesn’t mean it is necesary for the product, the company and or the customer.
 
3.       Be Proactive With Your Communication
Engineers live a life of projects.  They go from one project to another in their day to day work and as such they’re often embroiled in deadlines.  There’s nothing more frustrating to have someone on your team report the day of the deadline that they are going to miss it.  That’s unacceptable.  When we have good business etiquette we respect the other people on the team by communicating proactively so the team is prepared, especially in a situation where we may be missing a deadline.  Don’t wait to communicate. 
 
4.       Understand Your Cross Functional Colleagues
It’s poor business etiquette for engineers to only stay in their lane and not get to know, interact with, or understand their colleagues in non-technical roles.  Why is this the case?  Read #2 on this list.  When we don’t understand the bigger picture of the business, how it runs and operates, how decisions are made and why they’re made, our ability to be a productive employee is reduced to chance.  Ever seen someone come up with an idea which they claim to be amazing or revolutionary to be shot down shortly thereafter from another person in the company?  More often than not that idea infringed on #1 or #2 within this list.  For example, if you make a suggestion to add a feature to an existing product without taking into consideration the cost to manufacture it or if the companies sales people can actually sell it to their customers you’ve singlehandedly shown that you can come up with ideas which have little merit in their ability to be executed. 
 
5.       Good Enough Vs. Perfect
Confucius said, “Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.”  When we chase perfection we often find ourselves on a never ending journey where we’re busy as can be without accomplishing much.  Its important engineers build awareness around the idea that nothing is ever finished therefore it isn’t settling if perfection isn’t achieve.  We should expect it and build product updates into our process down the road.  Apple, Inc. does this all the time with their new releases and they still have people lining up around the block to buy their products, regardless of the initial glitches and bugs associated. 
 
6.       Handshakes and Eye Contact
Those of us in technical fields can at times get a bad rap for not being social butterflies who know how to engage with others.  Let’s buck the stereotype!  Good business etiquette tells us it is important to give a firm handshake upon initial interaction with another person.  In fact, its common to hear from leaders that a poor handshake can be the difference in someone getting a job.  The limp wrist, fish handshake belongs nowhere in business.  Same can be said about eye contact.  Be intentional with your eye contact when speaking with someone in person.  Looking at the floor or down at your lap gives others the impression you aren’t confident in yourself.
 
7.       Ditch the Cell Phone
Your cell phone needs to stay in your pocket at all times when you are engaged with others, especially in a business setting, unless you are using it as part of the discussion.  If you’re in a conversation, including a group conversation, and you’re simultaneously thumbing through your social media you’re giving off a sign that what other people have to say isn’t important.  Put the phone away!  Your digital friends, who you’ll never meet anyways, won’t even notice you’re not there to like their cat memes.  FOMO no mo.
 
8.       First Impressions Are Actually Important
This goes hand-in-hand, pun intended, with #6.  The way we show up with other people, especially during a first impression can make or break someone’s perception of you.  Greet people, shake their hand, learn their name.  Make an effort to engage with them.  Be polite and considerate.  Lastly, be groomed!  If you’re appearance is disheveled or unbecoming of a professional that’s how you’ll be treated.  Most technologists make a healthy living in their careers, it’s important you act like it, at least upon first impressions.
 
9.       Respecting Others Lack of Technical Knowledge
When you’re talking to a layperson, a non-engineer, do your best to use simple, straightforward language.  People who aren’t engineers already are often times giving you the benefit of the doubt that you’re smart. (this is the one time when a stereotype works in your favor)  As such, you don’t need to impress people with your technical prowess by using terminology and theoretical concepts which fly over the head of the other person in the conversation.  Be mindful of who you are talking to and adjust accordingly as this will ensure the discussion is fruitful for both parties.  If the other party wants more information they’ll signal to you to get into the weeds, then its go time!
 
When we’re demonstrating good business etiquette we simultaneously show that we respect others while respecting ourselves.  Take the time to build awareness in this area of your career, it will pay dividends in spades over the long haul.