BUSINESS ETIQUETTE COUNTS.

Although the business world grows ever more complex and competitive, there is one constant--etiquette. "Proper business etiquette is a legacy we want to pass on to those who will be the executives of tomorrow," notes Jan Yager (www.janyager.com) in the 2nd edition of her book, Business Protocol: How to Survive & Succeed in Business (2001, Hannacroix Creek Books).

In discussing how to use etiquette as a business strategy, Yager, a management consultant, seminar leader, and author of several books, covers a wide range of issues including gift giving, executive entertaining, office appearance, and international etiquette. Here are Yager's six basic principles of business etiquette, reprinted and excerpted with permission.

* "Be on time. Lateness, since it often impedes the [organization's] operations, is the most obvious tip-off that you are unreliable and not 'executive' material. The most important time of day that you should consistently arrive on time is in the morning. Being on time also applies to reports or any other tasks you are asked to do.

* "Be discreet. Keep to yourself any [organization] secrets, whether that means the design for a unique product, or the fact that there will be massive layoffs in a week. On the personal side, you should keep to yourself any confessions you hear from co workers, bosses, or subordinates.

* "Be courteous, pleasant, and positive...no matter how demanding your clients, customers, co-workers, or employees might be. No one likes to work around a negative, suspicious, or contrary person. What gets you to the top is a friendly manner.

* "Be concerned with others, not just yourself. Be empathetic to others' points of view and be sensitive to where their point of view is coming from. Be open to suggestions from colleagues, superiors, or subordinates.

* "Dress appropriately. The most important tip to remember is that you want to fit into your [organization's] environment as well as your level within that environment.

* "Use proper written and spoken language. Using proper written and spoken words means that what you say as well as what you write in your interoffice memos and letters should be well written and all names should be spelled correctly."