Polishing Your Business Etiquette
As in any social situation, there are certain expectations of who does what and when. When it gets complicated by also being a business situation, the stakes get higher.
Consider four common questions that might trip you up if you haven't thought through the proper etiquette first:
1. Who pays for the lunch?
This is an easy answer. If you do the inviting (male or female), you pay for the lunch. There are several exceptions to this rule, however:
- If the CEO is present, always give him or her the option to pay
- If there is an older-generation male present, and he insists on picking up the tab, let him
- If you eat out often with friends, split the check
Tip: It is never good etiquette to haggle over a bill.
2. Who opens the door?
- Whoever is the first to get to the door (male or female) opens the door and lets the other person pass first
- If you are with an older-generation male, allow him to open the door for you
Tip: The idea is to not make a fuss.
3. Who should offer to shake hands first?
- Male or female, it's proper to offer your hand first
Tip: Take the other person's hand and, with medium pressure, palm to palm, pump two or three times and let go.
4. Introductions: Whom do you introduce first?
- Introduce the person of lesser authority to the person with greater authority
- Say the name of the person with greater authority first
- Speak each person's name slowly and distinctly
Tip: Give a little information about each person as you introduce them.
Learn more about business etiquette and how it relates to the number one skill you need in your career--communication--by attending the upcoming SkillPath seminar
How to Become a Better Communicator. Check out our schedule, we're coming soon to a city near you.
