ETIQUETTE (Dine like a diplomat)

I'm back again on the Etiquette Course, if this is your first time of seeing this on my blog, it means that you've missed some past lectures, browse through the blog archive and read past lectures. Enjoy!

DINE LIKE A DIPLOMAT:
1. Remember, the basic rule of formal dining is: drink to your right and eat to your left. Your drink is always on the right because the first two letters in the word "DRink" stand for "Drink Right." Easy to remember, right? Just know that your bread plate is on your left

2. When you want to signal the waiter that you are ready to order simply close your menu and place it on the table in front of you.

ETIQUETTE (Cultural Notes)

11. In Mexico punctuality is not expected at social events such as parties and dinners. When invited to a party in a Mexican home, arrive at least 30 minutes late.

12. Never underestimate the importance of punctuality in German business culture. Arriving even five to ten minutes later than the appointed time is perceived as "Late", especially if you are a subordinate. Fifteen minutes would be considered a very serious faux pas and could mean a shaky start to any potential business relations.

13. The U.S. 'O.K.' sign [forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger] actually means 'zero' or 'useless' in France. The French 'O.K.' symbol is the North American 'thumbs up;' use this symbol to express approval.

14. Singapore is an exceptionally clean city, thanks to its very strict law enforcement policies. People who do not obey the laws are fined or imprisoned. This includes spitting, smoking in prohibited areas, chewing gum, and neglecting to flush a toilet.

15. The exchange of business cards is a ritual in Japan, have business cards with you at all times, ready to give out when necessary—to be without one at a meeting is a disaster. If someone gives you their card and you do not return the gesture, you are signaling that you are not interested in pursuing the relationship. During meetings, keep the card in front of you; putting it away is a signal that the meeting is over.

16. In most of the Middle Eastern countries Friday is the Islamic holiday and business is not transacted on that day, therefore, you should not include Friday in your business meetings.  

ETIQUETTE (Cultural Notes)

6. Tipping is heavily ingrained in American culture: no matter how poor the service in bars and restaurants, always leave something. It helps to keep small bills in your wallet for cab drivers, hotel porters and bar staff. In restaurants, calculate your tip by doubling the tax. In bars, it's a dollar a drink.

7. Many Indians are vegetarian for religious reasons. Meat-eating Hindus will consume chicken and goat, but not beef or pork. Muslims will eat no pork; more observant Muslims will only eat halal (ritually slaughtered) meat.

8. Saudis always shake hands with every man present but not with women. Women do not drive cars or travel alone and social encounters between sexes are segregated.

9. Thai people are very passionate about their King. Never ever criticize the royal family or question the monarchy.

10. In Israel you are expected to carry your passport with you at all times.

ETIQUETTE (Cultural Notes)

1.    It is customary for people in India to greet each other by holding their palms together.

2.    In Germany wishing for luck may be signaled by squeezing your thumbs.

3.     Most women in China do not change their surnames when they marry.

 

4.      Shoes are not worn inside Japanese houses or temples. There will be an assortment of slippers for guests to choose from. Leave your shoes (toes pointing towards the exit) at the designated spot and enter the main room

5.     Don’t get confused by what Japanese mean by “yes”. “Yes” (hai) does not translate to “Yes, I agree  with you,” or “Yes that is what I am going to do.” More often it means, “Yes, I hear what you are saying.” This can lead to confusion.

Business Etiquette

20. When socializing at a cocktail party, it is best to hold your glass in the left hand so that your right hand is free for shaking hands, eliminating the need to switch hands at the last minute. It also prevents you from offering a wet handshake due to the condensation from the glass.

21. In a business scenario, one should hold a door open for superiors or clients (regardless of gender) simply as a matter of respect.

22.  Boring though it may sound the safest topics that make for small talk and serve as icebreakers in social get-togethers are the weather, popular sports or the pleasant party setting. Even if you are passionate about issues such as improving the education scenario or uprooting corruption, do not bring them up. For all you know, the person you may be talking to might be an educationist or a local politician himself/ herself! Topics such as religion, politics, family and personal appearance and grooming are an absolute no-no.

23. Perfume, cologne or aftershave should be applied sparingly, evoking a subtle scent. Strong fragrances are often offensive to business associates and therefore inappropriate in a professional venue.

24. If you end up speaking with a phone solicitor, you can simply say “I’m sorry, we’re not interested. Thanks anyway”. Then, without waiting for a reply, quickly hang up. Do not feel guilty, and think of it as doing them a favor by not wasting their time and yours.

25. If someone forgets to introduce you, it’s appropriate for you to introduce yourself by saying something like: “My name is Jane; I don’t believe we've met, and you are?”

26. When two business people communicate stand about 3 feet apart. Any closer and you could invade your colleague’s personal space. Any further and you’d be yelling. This distance will vary depending on a country; know the cultural differences before conducting business in a foreign country. 

Business Etiquette

16. When using a speaker phone tell the person who called that you have them on speakerphone. Identify each person who is in the room. State their purpose in being present during the conversation.

 

17. A client has been waiting for about five minutes to meet with you but you're running a little behind schedule, and you need a few more minutes to finish up, so you take a minute to walk out and apologize in person and offer him a cup of coffee and a magazine.

 

18. You enter a coworker’s office or cubicle to chat and she's on the phone, so you leave a note saying you need to speak with her and try to get her at another time.

19. When answering phone calls, answer promptly (before the third ring if possible). Before picking up the receiver, discontinue any other conversation or activity such as eating, chewing gum, typing, etc that can be heard by the calling party.

20. When socializing at a cocktail party, it is best to hold your glass in the left hand so that your right hand is free for shaking hands, eliminating the need to switch hands at the last minute. It also prevents you from offering a wet handshake due to the condensation from the glass. 

Business Etiquette

11. When you greet a visitor in your office, you should tell him/her where to sit. Indicating where your guest should sit will make him/her feel more comfortable.

 

12. You're scheduled to meet a business associate for a working lunch and you arrive a few minutes early to find a suitable table. Thirty minutes later your associate still hasn't arrived. You are not obligated to wait any longer; you should order your lunch and eat. You've waited 30 minutes. Expect an apology later, though

 

13. If a meeting is scheduled for 9:00am, you should arrive not earlier than 8:50am, which gives you ten minutes to get organized.

 

14.  It is appropriate to tell business associates that their zipper is open; otherwise they will be embarrassed once they realize their zipper has been open. Take that person aside and subtly advise him/her to zip up. This rule also applies to food or lipstick on teeth and other potentially embarrassing situations.

 

15. When receiving a business card take the time to look at it because a card is representative of the person and their business. Write pertinent notes on the card later, not in the person’s presence. 

BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

6.  A junior executive should not be the first one to offer a business card. In the business arena, the senior executive makes the first move in offering a business card.

7. You're entering a taxi cab with an important client. You should position yourself so the client is seated passenger side on the backseat. This is important because when your client steps out of the car, he or she won't have to deal with getting out in traffic or sliding across the seat. The place of honor in the USA is the passenger side back seat whereas in Japan it’s the back seat at the driver’s side.

　

8. You should place your name tag on your right shoulder because during the handshake the other person’s eyes naturally follow your right arm up to your head to make eye contact, allowing time to slip another look at your name on your name tag.

 

9. In the business arena both men and women should stand for handshaking and all introductions. Business etiquette has become gender neutral. Women don’t have to hesitate to offer their hands first and vice versa.

10. The proper way to shake hands is to give a firm handshake with your right hand. Always stand up to shake hands and look the person in the eye.

Business Etiquette

1. When invited to business functions look to your host or hostess for directions on where to sit. Seats at the head of the table are usually given to the highest ranking members of the party or to special guests. 

2. When introducing someone, introduce the person with lesser authority to the person with higher authority, regardless of gender. The person to whom the introduction is made is mentioned first. It is also helpful to identify each person's position and provide additional information that might facilitate conversation.

3. QUESTION: Your boss, Mr. A., Vice President of Commercial Loans at your bank, enters the room where you are meeting with an important client, Ms. B. You rise and say, "Mr. A, I want to introduce Ms. B., our client from the Wick Corporation." Is your introduction correct?

ANSWER: A client is considered the important person in the business arena. You would be correct to say, "Ms. B., I want to introduce Mr. A, our Vice President of Commercial Loans. Ms. B is our client from the Wick Corporation." Remember, the most important person's name, the client is spoken first.

4. When presiding over meetings wait a few minutes past the starting time and begin when you have a majority of the participants. It's not fair to penalize those who are punctual by making them wait. If any key players come in late, you can bring them up to speed with a brief synopsis of what has already transpired.

 5. Identify yourself first when answering the phone. Ask how you can help and refer the caller to the proper person if you can't help them.