As times change, so do social norms for personal and professional behavior, but that doesn’t mean basic etiquette doesn’t matter. Performance and quality are important, too, of course, but not exclusively. We sometimes forget that business is about people. There is no shortage of competent and reliable people in the business world and manners can make the difference. Wouldn’t you rather collaborate with, work for or buy from someone who has high standards of professional behavior?

随着时代的改变，个人和职业行为的社会规范也会改变，但这并不意味着基本的礼仪就不重要了。当然,行为表现和品质也很重要，但它们不是唯一重要的。我们有时会忘记商业是关于人的。在商业世界中，有能力和可靠的人是不缺乏的，而礼貌也能带来很大改变。你难道不愿意与那些有高水准或者具有职业行为的人合作、工作或从他们哪里购买东西吗?

Many, but not all, of us follow these 15 time-tested rules of better behavior. Do you?

许多人，但不是所有人，都遵循这15条经过时间考验的更好的行为准则。你呢?

1. When in doubt, introduce others

当有疑问时，介绍别人

Always introduce people to others whenever the opportunity arises, unless you know that they are already acquainted. It makes people feel valued, regardless of their status or position.

只要有机会，总是把一个人介绍给另外一个人，除非你知道他们已经熟悉了。这样做会使人们感到被重视，不管他们的地位或职位如何。

2. A handshake is still the professional standard

握手仍然是专业的标准。

Not only does this simple gesture demonstrate that you’re polite, confident and approachable, it also sets the tone for any potential future professional relationship. In a very casual work atmosphere, you might be able to get away with a nod or a hello, but it’s worth it to make the extra effort to offer your hand.

这个简单的手势不仅表明你有礼貌、自信和平易近人，而且还为未来的职业关系定下了基调。在一个非常随意的工作氛围中，你可能会点头或打招呼，但这是值得的，因为你需要更努力才能帮助他人。

3. Always say “Please” and “Thank you.”

总是说“请”和“谢谢”。

This should go without saying, but even in a casual professional atmosphere, this basic form of courtesy is still imperative. Today, sending a thank you e-mail is perfectly acceptable, but a handwritten than you note is always a nice touch.

这应该不用说，但即使是在一个轻松的职业氛围中，这种基本礼貌的形式仍然是必要的。今天，发一封感谢信是完全可以接受的，但是手写的感谢信总是很好的。

4. Don’t interrupt

不要打断

We’ve become a nation of “over-talkers,” so eager to offer our own opinions or press our point that we often interrupt others mid-sentence. It can be tongue-bitingly difficult to force ourselves not to interject, especially when the discussion is heated. Don’t. It’s rude and shows disrespect for the opinions of others. Remember, be assertive, not aggressive.

我们已经成为一个“夸夸其谈”的国家，急于发表自己的观点，或者为了强调我们的观点，我们经常打断别人的话。要强迫自己不要插嘴是很困难的，尤其是在讨论激烈的时候。不要打断别人。这是粗鲁无礼的，也表现出你不尊重别人的意见。记住，要自信，不要咄咄逼人。

5. Watch your language

注意你的语言

Verbal and written communications are often much less formal than in times past, but be careful to choose your words wisely. Of course, derogatory, rude or offensive language is unacceptable, but so is slang. While it may be commonplace in our society, it’s never acceptable in a professional atmosphere.

口头和书面的交流比起过去来没有那么正式，但要小心谨慎地选择你的用词。当然，贬损、粗鲁或无礼的语言是不可接受的，但俚语也是不可接受的。虽然这在我们的社会中是很常见的，但在专业的氛围中却永远无法被接受。