Sending thank-you notes
Q. Does business etiquette require you to send a thank-you note in response to a letter from a client, complimenting you on the service that you’ve provided them?
Anonymous
A. Business etiquette wouldn’t require you to send a thank-you note. However, I’d certainly recommend it. This is your opportunity to reach out and touch someone who is satisfied with your work. Writing back will help you build an even more solid relationship with this customer. That’s why you make the effort — not because business etiquette requires it. The note could be something as simple as, ‘‘Thank you for your kind words about the service we provide. We take great pride in building excellent relationships with all of our customers. It’s wonderful to know our efforts are paying off. I hope we can be of service again in the future.’’
Q. A woman in our office who’s currently on leave just lost her unborn baby unexpectedly. How can we, as her colleagues, respond with support while still respecting her privacy on a company level?
L.M., Libertyville, Ill.
A. Your desire to respect her privacy is admirable. You certainly can send a sympathy card signed by people at the office to let her know that her co-workers are thinking of her. A flower arrangement would also be fine. A separate note or card from her manager, expressing condolences and assuring her not to worry about work, would be appropriate as well. People who want to write personally should do so from home, and send them to her home.
Q. My wife and I recently invited a co-worker and her spouse
to dinner at our house. We offered a choice of two different dates — both Saturdays, which the co-worker had indicated would be preferable. Since extending the offer, we’ve reminded them of the open invitation, but have yet to receive a reply. What should we do?
S.C., Columbus, Ohio
A. Failure to respond to an invitation may well be the most vexing etiquette faux pas making the rounds today. It’s such a simple thing to do — and yet, far too many people fail to answer invitations in a timely manner. Your best course is to talk to the co-worker privately, as soon as possible. This time, ask directly: ‘‘Mary, time’s getting short, so I wanted to check with you to see if you and John are going to be able to join us on the seventh or the 14th. We’re really looking forward to getting together with you.’’ Good luck.
MORE OFFICE MANNERS Listen to Peter's advice at boston.com/news/podcasts. E-mail questions about business etiquette to bizmanners@globe.com; fax to 617-929-3183; or mail to Etiquette at Work, The Boston Globe, P.O. Box 55819, Boston, MA 02205-5819. Readers whose questions are published will receive a copy of Peggy and Peter Post's book, "The Etiquette Advantage in Business."
