A real gentleman will master the art of etiquette under any circumstances with impeccable manners. The informal or formal address follows the same rules as greeting somebody in business life. The key to this is a company’s hierarchical criteria. In German and French-speaking areas, the more senior person offers the more junior person the use of the informal address. It may confuse English-speaking partners if you and your superior are on formal terms. You should demonstrate esteem for your counterpart even when you use the informal address by using the correct attitude, choice of words, facial expression, and gestures.

You may also reject the use of informal address

If you feel that the informal address is not appropriate or you do not (yet) wish to use your contact’s first name or the informal address, you can tactfully forego the informal form. With a comment such as “Thank you for the friendly offer; please give me a little more time. Maybe we could come back to this within an appropriate setting at some later time.” Although a partnership-based attitude admittedly improves the working climate, leading to positive results faster, it does not depend exclusively on the use of the informal address.

Beware of stumbling blocks
Irrespective of whether in everyday business or private life – try not to put your foot in it with regard to style. A touch of foresight and reservation is also correct at merry company parties – because the same colleagues and superiors will once again be sitting opposite you on the day after. If you at any time regret the decision to use the informal address, wait for a quiet moment, approach the person concerned, and explain your reasons briefly. Do without exchanging kisses and drinking to your friendship in working life. Shaking hands is absolutely adequate for introducing the use of informal address in business life.

Addressing the work colleague during a customer meeting
What is the correct form of address if you use the informal address with your work colleague and hold a meeting at a customer’s location? Always use your colleague’s first name during direct conversation, not, however, if you are referring to her in the same sentence with your customer. Example: “Ms. Gerber will now present our project report.” You then turn to your colleague with whom you are on informal terms and say, “Sarah, please give the presentation, thank you.” And should you ever be at a loss: simply be polite, respectful, and use your healthy common sense.

\\ tags: Communication