The Etiquette Advantage in Business: Personal Skills for Professional Success

by Peggy Post, Peter Post

A reference on using personal etiquette to get ahead in the business world, by a renowned expert on manners, examines the techniques for conducting yourself well and explains how to treat others with respect and courtesy.

Genres: Business, Reference, Nonfiction, Communication, Personal Development

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Peggy Post, Emily Post’s great-granddaughter-in-law, is a director of The Emily Post Institute and the author of more than twelve etiquette books. In March, 2011, Peggy began a new question and answer column with the New York Times called The Well-Mannered Wedding. The column aims to address modern day wedding conundrums and provide advice for the soon-to-be-wed.

Currently, Peggy is actively involved in the launch of Emily Post Wedding, a new line of wedding invitations produced by M. Middleton and licensed by The Emily Post Institute. Peggy has worked with M. Middleton on the development of the two collections, Grace and Style, and is now making public appearances at national and regional retailer events to promote the wedding invitation offering.

Peggy writes a monthly column in Good Housekeeping magazine. She is also a contributing editor for AARP, The Magazine. Peggy conducts lectures and seminars for businesses and community groups across the country. Peggy’s vibrant personality and media savvy have led companies to request her services for spokesperson campaigns. In this role she has worked with clients like MasterCard, Yahoo!, American Express, Florida Citrus, Merci Chocolates, Tassimo Hot Beverage System, Georgia-Pacific, and SBC Communications.

Peggy began her career as an international flight attendant for Pan American World Airways. She then taught seventh grade English and history in New York City before entering the business world, developing a 30-year career in management, consulting and sales. Born in Washington, DC, she was raised in Maryland and New Orleans and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from LSU. Peggy and her husband, Allen, live in south Florida, and she has two stepsons, Casey and Jeep.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up from the library to have as a refresher before starting a new job - in the hopes that my nerves will not get the best of my manners in making a good first impression. Its only drawback is being a bit dated for our increasingly technology-driven business world. For example, how someone would handle a post-phone interview with no way of knowing how to reach the interviewer (especially if done through some type of third-party).
This book was also written with people in mind who might be very high in corporate ranking. It’s not often that office workers host fancy dinner parties anymore or send greetings on stationery in a mailed envelope. It would be nice to see more etiquette involving everyday business life. I also skimmed over the section about international travel, something I’m not likely to do anytime soon.
Many of the tips included should already be in practice for anyone who has a healthy respect for their environment and peers, but it’s always nice to have a reminder, considering some people have no issues with clipping their nails or eating smelly food in their cubicle.
As Queen Clarice says, “Manners matter.”

[Pamela Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was choc full of good information. I loved how every singe business situation is considered and explained from writing emails to answering the phone. I loved the section on table manners and also the section on dressing. This book is great for those tiny nitty gritties we tend to think of once we're in the thick of the situation. Loved it....

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a better reference book than read-through, so naturally I read it cover to cover. Shame on me, but I'd never heard of Emily Post prior to this. Her grandkids updated her teaching, and the result is a very relevant, comprehensive how-to for business manners. I'll have this handy for sticky situations. Hope you don't mind me taking a quick peek before starting my salad. I don't quite remember which fork to use...

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I consider Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition to be an absolutely essential addition to any library, this book is also good for those in business, especially those new to the business world (college grads!). It includes when and how to accept and give business cards, gift ideas for bosses and assistants, how to give the best handshake, how to write an effective business letter, and the best way to handle a job search (such as how to build and write your resume, what to wear and how to act in an interview, etc.). Also includes a section on handling business overseas, which is helpful because other countries have different business etiquette than the U.S.

[Ly Casnocha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a while ago and I think it makes a decent work regarding the matter of etiquette in business. Peggy Post composed this comprehensive guide, discussing proper behaviors and etiquette in modern entrepreneurship. I think it is quite useful and applicable for most American people who are concerned about effectiveness and success in their profession. I enjoyed this guide a lot, since it is comprehensive, detailed, and it contributed to my professional performance as well.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book address every matter that one needs to know when s/he starts a career, from how to dress and eat a meal properly to how to behave and interact appropriately at the office. I highly recommend this book to everyone, even though what you do may not relate to business. Very well-written and easy to understand.

[Sonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this read for everyone in business! Nobody I know fulfills 100% of Post's business etiquette mannerisms- so you will inevitably catch several things you never even thought of considering... that would be considerate to do :).

[Katie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially like this book for when I am not sure of how to navigate a situation at work / school that has upset me.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

An invaluable resource.

[Madison Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A go to reference guide for when I'm wondering the best way to handle a business situation. Can't wait to see what Post decides about the polite way of unfriending someone on Facebook.

[Lori Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book on etiquette in business life.

[V Massaglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very approachable book for all interested in learning how to act appropriately in and outside of business in their pursuit of success.

V