What is Your Etiquette Quotient?

Here’s a quick business etiquette assessment. How well will you do?

What is Your EQ? (Etiquette Quotient)

Score yourself on these 20 questions:

0 = Never; 1 = Rarely; 2 = Every now and then; 3 = Sometimes; 4 = Pretty much of the time; 5 = Always

1.	I turn off the ringer to my cell phone when I am in a meeting.
2.	I avoid answering cell phone calls when I am talking with someone else
3.	I avoid making cell phone calls from a table in a restaurant, even when I am eating alone.
4.	I avoid putting my cell phone on the table (meeting, restaurant, etc)
5.	I find a private, quiet place to make and take cell phone calls.
6.	I start my emails with a salutation or the name of the recipient somewhere in the first sentence.
7.	I use an “auto-signature” on my email that identifies all of my pertinent contact information.
8.	I copy ONLY those people who REALLY need to read the email.
9.	I “clean up” emails before forwarding them, so that future readers don’t have to read anything unnecessary.
10.	I use upper and lower case in my email correspondence.
11.	I personally sign all of my written correspondence.
12.	My voice mail messages leave a clear description of how to contact me or my assistant.
13.	I leave detailed messages on others’ voice mail, including my name, phone number, time of day, information or request, and the best time to reach me.
14.	I stand and extend my hand for a firm handshake every time I meet someone in a business situation.
15.	I arrive at meetings early or on time, and well prepared.
16.	I place my nametag on my right side, when possible, so that people can easily see it when shaking my hand.
17.	I wait to start eating until the host or hostess raises his or her fork.
18.	When dining, I avoid putting my elbow or arm on the table, and keep my unused hand/arm on my lap.
19.	If I need to leave the table during the meal, I put my napkin on my seat, and say “excuse me.” (no other explanation needed)
20.	I pace my eating so that I don’t finish eating ahead of the group.
	Total

How well did you do?

90-100: Etiquette buff!

80-89: Emily Post would be proud.

70-79: You’re doing well, just a bit of fine-tuning.

60-69: Could add a few etiquette tricks to your bag.

50-59: We’re glad you’re working on this!

0-50: We’re really glad you’re working on this!

Printable version…

Want a PDF of this assessment? Click here.