Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence Quiz

In the past few years, increasing attention has been given to "business niceties", those little things denoting class and style. In fact, etiquette has become as integral to a professional image as technical knowledge. Not only does it make for a nicer work environment, but it also pays off in promotions and raises. Civility is a power tool that gives a cutting edge to companies who look increasingly to those men and women who possess soft skills. In other words, knowing proper etiquette in today’s business arena means getting more business for the company and increasing your chances of moving ahead.

Perhaps you’re thinking, "The company doesn’t care if I know anything about business etiquette. All they care about is whether I do a good job, right?" Wrong. Class – how to get it and how to use it – is the hot topic in corporations worldwide. And it’s something that top management keeps in mind when promoting employees to key positions – particularly those positions involving interaction with persons outside the company.

Answer the following 10 questions to see if you already have a competitive advantage, or if you need to upgrade your skills. Please write down your
answers on a sheet of paper and check them with the right answers below.

1. Your boss, Mr. A, Vice President of Commercial Loans at your bank, enters the room where you are meeting with an important client, Ms. B. You rise and say, "Mr. A, I want to introduce Ms. B, our client from the Wick Corporation." Is your introduction correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
2. You are a junior executive at a social function and meet the CEO of an important corporation. After a brief chat, you give him your business card. Is this correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
3. You answer the business phone for a peer and then ask, "Who's calling, please?" Are you correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
4. You are entering a limousine with an important client. You will position yourself so the client is seated in the back seat, passenger side. Are you correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
5. You are a guest at a party, and you notice a man who is not "mingling." You approach him, introduce yourself and introduce him to others. Are you correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
6. Your host has just proposed a toast in your honor. You say, "Thank you," and take a sip of wine. Are you correct?
   A. Yes    B. No
   
   
7. You are greeting or saying good-bye to an acquaintance from another company. When is it appropriate to shake her hand?
   A. Only at her office.
   B. Only at your office.
   C. When you stop and chat on the street.
   D. All of the above.
   
   
8. You are talking to a group of four persons. Do you make eye contact with:
   A. just the person to whom you are speaking at the moment.
   B. each of the four persons, moving your eye contact from one to the other.
   C. no one particular person. Don't look directly into anyone's eye.
   
   
9. You greet a visitor in your office. Do you:
   A. say nothing and let him sit where he wishes?
   B. tell him where to sit.
   C. say, "Just sit any place?"
   
   
10. You are invited to a reception honoring an ambassador to the United States. When you are introduced, address him as:
    A. Mr. Ambassador
    B. Excellency
    C. Sir
    D. Ambassador Waldheim.