Contrary to popular belief, business etiquette is not just about simple courtesies. It is a powerful tool for building strong and lasting relationships, facilitating collaboration, and optimizing productivity in a harmonious work environment. It encompasses not only basic interactions such as greetings and handshakes but also how we engage with colleagues, partners, and clients. A relevant concept to consider is Illich’s Law, which states that when an activity or process exceeds a certain threshold, resource optimization and efficiency begin to decline due to excessive pressure. This article explores how business etiquette, combined with an understanding of Illich’s Law, can help companies strike the perfect balance between efficiency and personal well-being.

Balancing Performance and Well-being

We have a genuine need to balance performance and well-being. Companies that focus solely on productivity risk creating a stressful environment. When performance expectations become excessive, employees feel overwhelmed, leading to a decline in morale. On the other hand, a more human-centered approach that values rest and a healthy work environment not only improves efficiency but also strengthens long-term employee engagement.

Leaders should encourage open communication and minimize unnecessary constraints, allowing employees to express themselves freely to boost creativity and involvement for the benefit of the entire organization.

Business etiquette, in conjunction with Illich’s Law, highlights the importance of reassessing our practices through this lens to incorporate the personal and professional fulfillment that accompanies economic success. By fostering a corporate culture based on authenticity and well-being, companies create an environment conducive to individual growth, ultimately contributing to collective success.

Illich’s Law: A Visionary Principle for Businesses

Inspired by philosopher Ivan Illich, this law highlights a fundamental paradox: beyond a certain threshold, efficiency declines, and effort becomes counterproductive. In other words, an overly rigid work environment or constant perfectionist demands compromise employee motivation and performance. This law sheds light on the dangers of a work environment that is too strict or an excessive pursuit of perfection. Business etiquette helps moderate this tendency by establishing principles of balance and harmony to prevent excessive pressure from affecting operational efficiency and workplace well-being. It is not about enforcing inflexible rules but rather fostering smart adaptability that optimizes efficiency without burdening processes.

Business etiquette is founded on principles of elegance, restraint, and strategy to avoid falling into the trap of “too much.” It focuses on balance and fairness. In connection with Illich’s Law, it encourages us to be aware of our interactions and manage our time to maximize efficiency. This involves, for example, the ability to know when to step away from an unproductive conversation or to identify a project that requires a new approach, etc.

Thus, business etiquette becomes an “art of adaptation.” When properly mastered, it helps us avoid pitfalls by establishing a subtle balance between discipline and flexibility. Etiquette teaches us to recognize when an established process needs to be reconsidered or when a meeting becomes redundant—too many meetings can lead to wasted time and energy, ultimately reducing overall productivity.

Finding the Right Balance Through Mastered Etiquette

In the business world, excellence and productivity are essential goals. However, the formula that works for one company may not be suitable for another. Excellence lies in balance.

Companies that foster a professional culture based on trust and authenticity see more engaged and high-performing teams. The goal? To create a harmonious work environment where everyone can thrive while combining well-being and excellence. Discover how to optimize your business etiquette by integrating Illich’s Law principles:

• Simplicity and Adaptability: Following formalities should not be a constraint but a lever for efficiency and harmonious relationships. Elegance lies in the fluidity of interactions. Too much is the enemy of good.
• Communicate with Moderation: Prioritize quality over quantity in exchanges. Good timing and clear messaging are essential to prevent slowing processes and stifling creativity.
• Avoid Over-Formalization: Overly rigid codes limit personal expression and employee well-being. Adapt to your company’s needs, environmental, and cultural contexts. Allow for spontaneity and innovation.
• Efficiency vs. Perfection: Avoid strict and inflexible rule applications. Recognize when a task is sufficient to meet objectives to maintain fluid communication and encourage innovation.
• Adopt a Flexible Approach: Adjust protocol rules based on situations and simplify processes where possible while respecting cultural norms. For example, an international meeting requires more formalities than an internal one.
• Avoid the Constant Pursuit of Perfection: Proper business etiquette values authenticity over perfection. This naturally leads to excellence with less effort. Training in etiquette sufficiently educates your staff and saves time. Attempting to control every detail slows decision-making and creates unnecessary stress. Constantly striving for perfection can lead to anxiety and demotivation.
• Be Flexible with Deadlines: While punctuality is a sign of respect, an obsession with deadlines can create unnecessary pressure, especially in international contexts with differing time zones and cultures. Show understanding and consider human factors.
• Prioritize People: Do not create robots! Preserve employees’ authenticity. Encourage teams to respect professional codes while embracing cultural diversity. Valuing individual well-being strengthens engagement and loyalty. A strong business relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, and transparency.