However, many of the foremost etiquette experts paint a picture of declining manners and courtesy in our daily lives. It is difficult to refute this perception when we now have terms like "road rage" to describe our incivility and rudeness to each other on our roadways. The road to career success cannot accommodate behavior of this nature. Caution and awareness help prevent your career from becoming side tracked by this growing trend. It is important to be aware that potential social potholes may appear during the most common corporate encounters. Peruse and ponder the list below. Ask yourself how you would handle each situation in a US corporate setting, then read on to find out what several etiquette authors recommend.

Smoking
Alcohol
Handshakes
Greetings
Gifts (giving/receiving)
Thank-you Notes
Formal/Semi-formal Events
Dinner/Lunch Meetings
Private Club Invitations
Cell Phones/Pagers

Smoking	Most workplaces are smoke-free, but if you are in a smoking environment always ask if it is okay for you to smoke when you are in the presence of others.
Alcohol	If you choose to drink, establish a limit (1 drink is the recommended limit), but never have more drinks than your host, especially if the host is your manager. If you choose not to drink, a simple "No, thank you," is adequate. An explanation of your choice is not necessary.
Handshakes	Extend your right hand, grasp the hand of the person you are greeting so that the thumbs interlock. Grip firmly, pump twice and release. You need not wait for the other person to initiate a handshake. This applies to females and males because the handshake is the cornerstone of doing business and gender is not a factor. This is not a situation for timidity or signs of weakness so avoid "limp-noodle" handshakes.
Greetings	Generally, peers may be addressed by their first names, but avoid terms like hon, sweetie, boy, girl, etc. Use a courtesy title with your manager and others above your manager unless they ask to be addressed on a first name basis.
Gifts (giving/receiving)	As the holiday season approaches, this situation may challenge your corporate manners to the fullest extent. When it comes to holiday gift giving, managers and supervisors should think in terms of groups (divisions, sections, departments, teams), etc. It is important to be consistent and equitable because gifts should evoke positive emotions not ill will. This is also true for special occasion gifts. Therefore, an annually funded, office gift pool with established guidelines is the most viable option for this situation. When purchasing gifts for clients or corporate associates, make certain that it is appropriate for the recipient. Get advice from reputable retailers regarding appropriate gifts. When you receive gifts, accept them graciously, even the ones you may not like. Become familiar with your company's policy regarding acceptance of gifts, and adhere to it. If you must return a gift, thank the giver, but let the giver know that you cannot accept it because it is against company policy.
Thank-you Notes	Personal gifts and exceptional acts of kindness or career assistance require a handwritten note of thanks. If you choose to send pre-printed cards, always include a handwritten message. Never just sign your name!
Formal/Semi-formal Events	A formal (white tie) event requires long gowns for women. Pants are not appropriate. For men, it requires formal tailcoat with black trousers, white pique vest, white tie, white shirt with wing collar, and black patent shoes. Fortunately, there are rental shops available with knowledgeable staff to assist you. In contrast, a semi-formal (black-tie) invitation requires more information gathering. Regional customs and weather patterns directly influence what is considered appropriate attire for semi-formal events. Nevertheless, a knowledge of the basics gives you a basis for further inquiry. Seek out people who have attended the event in the past, and get a feel for what is appropriate or contact the host. Basics for men include a black tuxedo with a white, ruffle-free, tuxedo shirt, and a black tie. Basics for women include cocktail dresses or cocktail suits.
Dinner/Lunch Meetings	Arrive promptly, and wait for the host or manager in charge to indicate where you should be seated. If you are not the guest of honor or the highest, corporate-level person present, never take the seat to the immediate right of the person conducting the meeting. If place cards are present, find your assigned seat, and never switch seats with someone else. Wait for a signal from the person in charge to dispense with the small talk and get on with business. Do not attempt to hold a personal side meeting of your own. Likewise, when the host indicates the meeting is over, business discussions should cease. When a meeting involves only two people, flexibility and respect for each other's time are essential. Regardless of the number of people present, remember some dining basics: Wait until everyone is served before you begin eating; spoon your soup away from you and sip it from the side of the spoon without slurping; butter your bread one piece at a time; fold sweetener packets and tuck them under the edge of a plate; be courteous and considerate of restaurant staff. For additional information the names of several etiquette authors are provided later in this article for further reading on this subject.
Private Club Invitations	Many business decisions are made on golf courses and tennis courts so do not place yourself at a disadvantage by ignoring club dress codes. If you are uncertain about what to wear, call the club and inquire about dress codes. Club personnel provide this information routinely.
Cell Phones/Pagers	This technology enhances business productivity and efficiency, but there are times when it is inappropriate to use it. Turn cell phones off and place pagers on vibrate when you are in meetings, attending seminars, banquets, or planned ceremonies. A ringing phone or a beeping pager is not a welcomed interruption in these settings, but they are a glaring neon sign for lack of etiquette.

Certainly, it is evident by now that daily business encounters are filled with opportunities to display polish and poise. Good manners help others see value in their self worth and feel at ease in the process of doing business. This helps to establish client relationships that evolve into loyal, core customer relationships that sustain corporate success. Good corporate manners cannot be ignored in a global marketplace. This article briefly discussed corporate etiquette in a US marketplace. However, the international or multinational marketplace is considerably more challenging when comes to protocol so seek professional help if you think you will eventually function in this arena. In the meantime, the following etiquette authors provide some guidance:

Karen G. Bates and Karen Hudson
Letitia Baldridge
Susan Moren
Emily Post/Peggy Post.