This is a summary of the book “Flip-flops and microwaved fish” written by Peter Yawitz and published by River Grove Books in 2022. The author hosts the podcast “Advice from someone else’s Dad.” and writes about workplace etiquette and that’s sure to help everyone. He illuminates unspoken rules of the office and provides handy advice such as get to know your co-workers, present yourself professionally, use small talk to avoid giving too much information, write clearly with good grammar, organize your material before meetings and take notes, practice and prepare to deliver impressive presentations, value diverse teams, muster your best manners at shared meals, respect personal boundaries and privacy, remain professional in any conflict and know when you need to take a break or quit.

To navigate a new workplace, it's essential to get to know your co-workers and learn about their communication styles. Direct communicators are preferred by businesses, but it may be better to support or encourage their ideas. Alternatively, a firm approach can be used when dealing with passive-aggressive colleagues.

Present yourself professionally, as it can determine how your co-workers and boss assess your value. Control your voice to enhance your message, such as observing others' interactions, speaking clearly, maintaining punctuality, dressing appropriately, maintaining a relaxed posture, and making eye contact. Avoid filler words and avoid filler words when speaking.

Use small talk to reduce anxiety and appear more approachable. Ask about the weather, their commute, sports, hobbies, and avoid close-ended questions. In a business setting, keep politics, sex, religion, or ethnicity out of the conversation.

Remember to modify your words and speaking style depending on your audience and their responses. Rephrasing certain details can help you maintain a professional tone and avoid misunderstandings.

To effectively communicate with co-workers, it is essential to write clearly and with good grammar. Develop an agreed-upon system for communication, organize data, focus on the target audience, clarify the context, and lay out what you need to say. Maintain a polite, helpful, specific, and kind tone while writing. Use active voice for better flow and maintain proper grammar.

Organize material before meetings and take notes to improve meeting productivity and efficiency. Adhere to rules such as avoiding meetings unless absolutely necessary, creating a plan with deadlines, assigning tasks to specific people, maintaining a moderate agenda, and agreeing on conduct rules. Arrive prepared, ready to listen, and take notes.

Practice and prepare to deliver impressive presentations by defining a clear goal, focusing on your specific audience, keeping content relevant, and including stories that connect emotionally to your message. Start with an introduction, avoid distracting language, and keep your message simple. Anticipate questions and prepare appropriate answers.

Speaking in front of people for the first time can produce anxiety, but take deep breaths, trust in your memory, and remember that you judge yourself more than your audience. The more you present, the easier it becomes, and you can move on to the next office challenge – working and presenting as a team.

To create a successful team, prioritize clear objectives, use a variety of personalities, and avoid micromanaging. Maintain good table manners and avoid gossiping about co-workers. When eating together, be thankful for free food and avoid expensive or time-consuming meals. Respect personal boundaries and privacy by keeping certain accounts private and others public for work. Avoid discussing religion, sex, politics, marital issues, or finances, and be cautious about what you say at office parties.

Remain professional in any conflicts, keeping a level head and holding emotions in check. Stick to the rules of basic human kindness and find ways to compromise within the situation. Ideally, companies should post a set of rules of conduct, but many don't, so create a standard of conflict resolution for your team. Start by sticking to facts and finding ways to compromise within the situation. Imagine the conflict from the other person's perspective to better understand and resolve it.

Addressing conflicts as they arise helps resolve touchy issues and improve relationships. Avoid involving yourself in conflicts that can't be avoided and focus on the most important issues. Seek HR attention for harassment, discrimination, or health issues. Take breaks when needed and have a plan in place. If you feel like a raise is due, present your accomplishments and data. Be smart when asking for a raise and avoid rudeness. If conflicts or difficult corporate cultures persist, quit gracefully, maintaining your networks and maintaining professional connections.

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