FIRST IMPRESSION

The following are considered typical examples of unacceptable behavior:

• Indians generally formed groups and indulged in chatting and personal discussions during office hours.
• Inadequate quality of results and lack of quality orientation in work.
• Resource misuse, e-mail, office stationery, photocopying machines, and so on.
• They spent too much time on the telephone, especially for personal calls.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you get to work:

• Do not raise personal problems with the client/employer as soon as you join (e.g. ask for time off for getting your accommodation, bank account, credit card, etc.). The client is paying for time - it leaves a bad impression.
• Do not ask for permission to call India (on client telephones), as soon as you reach, to inform your family/relatives/wife that you have arrived safely. Use a pay telephone for this purpose.
• Never call India from the office except in an emergency.
• Take care not to ask for time off for spouse arrival. Try to ensure she/he arrives on a holiday.

FITTING IN

The following are some things to bear in mind while interacting with your peers and seniors:

Peers

• Do not start chatting with groups of fellow Indians from day one. This seems a natural thing to do, however, it is not liked by the clients. For lunch or coffee split into groups so you are not noticed and the client feels you are mixing with others in the office. If seen in groups, it is not taken well.
• Do not chit-chat at one another’s workstations in your native language; at least not during office hours.
• Speak only in English when in the office. Refrain from speaking in your mother tongue however tempting it is. It is considered insulting.
• Do not chat on the telephone. Be business-like and plan before speaking.
• Personal logistics or compensation problems should not be discussed with the client.
• Do not repeatedly ask your neighbours questions to find out things. Ask once for the company information manual. You will find everything you need to know in it.
• Don't question your colleagues or superiors About Singapore your personal needs, although sometimes, they may offer their help in which case you should accept.
• As you develop a rapport with your colleagues, you may invite them for dinner or a drink. If you are invited, be sure to carry a token of your gratitude. Do not take anything too expensive, it might insult them.

Seniors

• Ask in advance what should be the interaction protocol with your Project Leader. Follow what is decided. You generally need to make an appointment first.
• You are expected to ask questions to clarify when you don't understand. Silence indicates you understand and accept what is being said.
• Any change in schedule should be intimated to the client immediately.
• You should use your discretion as to when to escalate and when not to escalate an issue. Also the escalation path should be clear. Take time to find out.
• You are expected to use your idle time to familiarise yourself with the platform and application.
• Clarify who is going to do your appraisal after working for a period of at least a month. If it is the client, arrange to give him the format well in advance.
• If the client/employer gives you work outside your scope (not one-off cases) repeatedly escalate the issue to your seniors.
• If you have a conflict with other members of your project team (not snide comments and rude remarks) and it affects your work escalate the issue to your Project Manager. Do it with discretion and maturity.

WORK HABITS

The following are some dos and don'ts to bear in mind while working:

• Always remember that 90% of the time you should be at your desk.
• At meetings be punctual and prepared. Take down minutes.
• If you author a document, do a spell check, check page numbering, paragraph, naming, etc.
• Make sure you attend at least 80% of the parties to which you are invited. Also, reciprocate the gesture.
• Follow client/employer rules and regulations. Take security seriously. Obtain permission from client for working Saturdays, Sundays, and overtime.
• Do not criticize the work of others unnecessarily. If you must, do it constructively and only if it affects your work. You could use review meetings as a forum for this.
• Do not pass client/employer information to your friends or others outside the organization without prior permission.
• When work is allocated for execution - plan and do a work breakdown. After working out the estimation and delivery schedule get this approved by the client/employer.
• Ensure a progress reporting system is set up based on your Project Manager's requirements. Use a proper format (client's/employer). This could include activities completed, activities planned and problems. The report is usually 2-3 pages only.
• Insist on reviews at all stages. This will help you to gain acceptance early and also save much of your effort (e.g. prepare-test-review-test).
• If you have completed a task you have been doing for over a month's duration prepare a closure report (e.g. document hand-over, completion etc.).
• Fill in time sheets regularly and submit them at least once a week.
• Try to meet the Project Manager at least once a week to keep him updated on your work and build a relationship.
• When the client/employer asks you to do anything new, do not give an immediate answer. Evaluate and examine the scope, and if it is workable, get your plan accepted by the client/employer before starting the new task.

Using Facilities

• Be sure to know what facilities are available to you, there are some things that you may not be allowed to use.
• Load only licensed software after taking permission from the Project leader. Do not copy others' software.
• Do not misuse the e-mail facility or surf the net excessively.
• Misuse or excessive use of stationary is not acceptable to the client.
• Restrict personal phone calls and make international calls only when they are essential, making sure to tell your superior that you are making those calls.
• If you need certain facilities for your project be assertive and justify your need to the client.
• Unlike in India, office facilities are maintained by the users themselves. For example, when you use the photocopying machine you are expected to refill the paper tray and change the cartridge whenever needed.
• Familiarize yourself with the procedures for the use of facilities and the work practices at your client's office. Some areas of the office may have restricted entry. Get to know the necessary security procedures.

Business Cards

The exchange of business cards is a formal ceremony in Singapore. After introductions are made, the visiting business person should offer his or her card. Make sure you give a card to each person present.

• Business cards should be printed in English. Since ethnic Chinese constitute the majority of Singaporeans it is a good idea to have the reverse side of your card translated into Chinese.
• With both hands on your card, present it to the recipient with the print facing him or her, and it will be received the with both hands.
• Present it when appropriate.
• Keep an adequate stock of cards and carry some with you all the time.
• They should be presented in a good condition because they represent you and your company.

Note: It is considered very inappropriate to present your card during a meal, whether formal or otherwise.

BROWNIE POINTS

Be proactive - this gives you the highest brownie points with the client/employer. Giving suggestions, helping others beyond your scope helps you to gain respect and appreciation from the client.

Generally the client/employer looks for:

• Quality work
• Timely deliveries
• Healthy work practices
• Work ethics