Kamtori
Member
- Jan 2, 2009
- 81
- 10
Your Manners Are Showing!
Business etiquette is just as important today as it was for previous generations. However, with global communication being such a significant part of our everyday lives, we now have to take a lot of different cultural factors into consideration. And just when you think you know a lot about proper business etiquette, you find out that some of the old rules don't apply, and what is appropriate in one culture may offend in another.
Here are some universal tips to help you "save face":
Be polite and courteous
Arrive on time
Never raise your voice
Learn as much as you can about cultural differences prior to your meeting
When you're wrong, admit it; apologizing is acceptable
Smile â it's an easily understood form of positive body language
Always be professional in your written and spoken language
And of course there are always questions about who pays for lunch and how to shake hands, so here's a handy guide to get you started.
When out to lunch:
The rule is, male or female, if you do the inviting, you do the paying
There are some exceptions:
When the CEO or your boss is present, always give that person the option
When there is an older-generation male present and he insists on picking up the tab, let him
If you eat out often with friends, go Dutch
Remember, it's never good etiquette to make a scene over who pays the bill.
When shaking hands:
Male or female, it's proper to offer your hand first
Take the other person's hand and, with medium pressure, palm to palm, pump two or three times and let go
When opening doors:
Male or female, if you are the first to get to the door, open it and let the other person pass first
If you are with an older-generation male, allow him to open the door
Business etiquette is just as important today as it was for previous generations. However, with global communication being such a significant part of our everyday lives, we now have to take a lot of different cultural factors into consideration. And just when you think you know a lot about proper business etiquette, you find out that some of the old rules don't apply, and what is appropriate in one culture may offend in another.
Here are some universal tips to help you "save face":
Be polite and courteous
Arrive on time
Never raise your voice
Learn as much as you can about cultural differences prior to your meeting
When you're wrong, admit it; apologizing is acceptable
Smile â it's an easily understood form of positive body language
Always be professional in your written and spoken language
And of course there are always questions about who pays for lunch and how to shake hands, so here's a handy guide to get you started.
When out to lunch:
The rule is, male or female, if you do the inviting, you do the paying
There are some exceptions:
When the CEO or your boss is present, always give that person the option
When there is an older-generation male present and he insists on picking up the tab, let him
If you eat out often with friends, go Dutch
Remember, it's never good etiquette to make a scene over who pays the bill.
When shaking hands:
Male or female, it's proper to offer your hand first
Take the other person's hand and, with medium pressure, palm to palm, pump two or three times and let go
When opening doors:
Male or female, if you are the first to get to the door, open it and let the other person pass first
If you are with an older-generation male, allow him to open the door
