12 Habits of Classy Business Women

It’s no secret that women have to work a bit harder than men to be taken seriously in the business world. We’re often perceived as being too emotional, not assertive enough, or worse, unqualified.

But just because we have to jump through a few extra hoops doesn’t mean we can’t do it with grace and class. Here are 12 habits of classy business women that will help you exude confidence and land that promotion you deserve.

1. They arrive early (or on time). 

Classy business women understand the importance of punctuality and always aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to meetings, interviews, and events.

Not only does this show that you respect other people’s time, but it also gives you a few minutes to collect your thoughts, take a deep breath, and prepare for whatever is ahead. 

2. They dress the part. 

While there’s no need to break the bank on designer clothes, it is important to make sure your clothing is clean, pressed, and appropriate for the occasion. Dressing like a professional sends the message that you take yourself—and your job—seriously. 

3. They don’t gossip. 

Gossiping about co-workers (or anyone for that matter) is tacky and unbecoming of a classy business woman. If you wouldn’t say something about someone to their face, then chances are you shouldn’t say it at all. 

This doesn’t mean you can’t ever vent about work frustrations with a trusted friend or family member, but save the juicy details for after hours.

4. They are always prepared. 

Whether it’s for a big presentation or a last-minute meeting, classy business women are always prepared. They arrive to meetings with all the necessary materials and are never caught off guard by tough questions.

If you want to be taken seriously, it’s important to always be prepared and have thoughtful answers ready.

5. They don’t shy away from networking. 

Classy business women know that networking is essential for career growth. They attend industry events, introduce themselves to new people, and follow up with important contacts.

If you want to get ahead in your career, you need to be willing to put yourself out there and network with as many people as possible.

6. They're always learning. 

The most successful business women are lifelong learners. They read books and articles related to their industry, take courses to keep their skills sharp, and attend conferences to network and learn from the best in their field.

If you want to be a classy business woman, you need to be constantly learning, developing better habits, and growing in your career.

7. They take responsibility for their actions. 

Classy business women own up to their mistakes and take responsibility for their actions. If you make a mistake at work, admit it, apologize, and try to learn from it. Blaming others or making excuses will only make you look bad in the long run.

8. They are calm under pressure. 

Classy business women know how to keep their cool under pressure. They don’t get frazzled when things go wrong or panic when deadlines loom.

Instead, they take a deep breath and focus on finding a solution. If you want to be a classy business woman, it’s important to remain calm and collected in the face of adversity.

9. They keep their workspace clean and organized . 

A cluttered desk is not only an eyesore but can also be distracting and make it difficult to be productive. Classy business women know how to keep their workspaces tidy so they can stay focused on what’s important—getting the job done right. 

10. They speak up—but always with respect . 

Assertiveness is an important quality in any business professional but it’s especially important for women who are often perceived as being too passive or emotional.

When speaking up in meetings or presenting new ideas, do so with confidence but without being aggressive or condescending towards others.  

11. They're well-spoken. 

Classy business women know how to communicate clearly and effectively. They're able to articulate their thoughts in a way that is both respectful and confident. 

This is an important skill to have in the workplace as it allows you to be taken seriously and build relationships with co-workers, clients, and customers. 

12. They're good listeners. 

In addition to being well-spoken, classy business women are also good listeners. They're patient and allow others to share their thoughts and opinions before chiming in with their own. 

This is an important skill to have in any business setting as it allows for more productive and respectful communication. 

Final Thoughts

By following these 12 simple habits, you too can exude confidence and class in the workplace—even when confronting challenging situations or difficult co-workers. And who knows, maybe with a little effort you can even land that big promotion you’ve been eyeing!