Only yesterday was I interacting with a budding new Entrepreneur about a certain requirement posted by her on LinkedIn for which I had already emailed her our company profile and information. This, by the way, was almost a month ago. After repeatedly following up she messaged back asking me to follow the correct “Protocol” and send the email to a newly created email. This got me thinking and here I am writing this article to share, what is the fuss about “Protocol”.
To me, Protocol is a very common word as I have heard it all my life growing up in a family of Diplomats. Simply, Protocol is a code put in place for international/ national ceremonies, foreign visiting dignitaries, and etiquettes to be followed. This word has also found its way into the business realm. A protocol is used in place of etiquettes as it sounds more business link professional. These protocols help the smooth running of daily operations and streamline the business to achieve a competitive advantage.
A brief into the Origin of the word “protocol” is derived from two Greek words, protos” means “the first” and “kolla” means “glue.” Protocollum originally referred to a sheet of paper glued to the front of a document giving it authenticity. By the 19th century, the French term “protocole diplomatique” referred to the body of ceremonial rules observed in all official interaction between heads of state or their ministers.
In order for us to get acquainted with the “Protocol” and follow through, we need to try to keep in mind a few things:
Greet & Introduce
Make eye contact, Greet with a soft but firm grip handshake. Smile and introduce yourself by stating your name. If introducing someone else use the first name. Never be seated if someone approaches you, stand and acknowledge.
Mingle Well
Scan the room as you enter and move around. Proactive is the keyword. Start up a small interesting topic to discuss.
The Right Touch
Know gender boundaries and keep to a handshake whenever in doubt. Be a gentleman to a lady and others by helping with seats, doors or accessories. Make sure to compliment skills and not appearance.
Sound Good & Look Great
Be audible but not loud. Use your phone and/or recorder to listen and improve yourself. Eliminate background noise. Watch your rate of speech. “Body language is an art be an artist” Rajnish Sharma. Smile, look great and feel great. Be confident while you sit and stand.
Email the right way
Be brief, be positive, and be prompt. Include a greeting and closing. Don’t email someone who sits across the aisle from you. Remember the rules of spelling and grammar. Don’t use ALL CAPITALS or all lowercase letters. Don’t send a message to, too many people. Don’t forward a long chain of e-mails without changing the original subject line. Don’t forward humor, campaigns, virus warnings, or chain letters. Don’t send or receive a personal email from work.
Organize one’s own space, time and material
Do a self-assessment of your workspace. Remember time is of the essence. Be on time. Don’t be too early or late. If you are delayed, acknowledge your breakdown. Be cool when entering a meeting late.
By following “Protocol” help your company enhance its image and embrace respect both internally and externally, you can stand out from the competition and ensure your organization is mindful, respectful and polished at every turn.
Sharing this article I don’t in any way intend to teach you what you should do or should not do. These are some things that I have learnt right from my childhood and on my various globetrotting experiences and thought would be nice to share with you all.
-Article by Rajnish Sharma