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EUROPEAN Business Etiquette You should know

According to Hilka Klinkenberg, director of Etiquette International, a business etiquette firm, the basics of professional etiquette are really quite simple. First, understand the difference between business etiquette and social etiquette. Business etiquette is genderless. For example, the traditional chivalrous etiquette of holding the door open for a woman is not necessary in the workplace and can even have the unintended effect of offending her. In the work environment, men and women are peers.

Second, your guiding principle should always be to treat people with consideration and respect. Although this may seem obvious, Klinkenberg cites this basic decency as a frequent casualty in today's workplace.

Here are a few of the specific dos and don'ts of business etiquette you are likely to encounter during your workday.

Introductions

The proper way to make an introduction is to introduce a lower-ranking person to a higher-ranking person. For example, if your CEO is Mrs. Jones and you are introducing administrative assistant Jane Smith to her, the correct introduction would be «Mrs. Jones, I'd like you to meet Jane Smith». If you forget a person's name while making an introduction, don't panic. Proceed with the introduction with a statement such as, «I'm sorry, your name has just slipped my mind». Omitting an introduction is a bigger faux pas than salvaging a botched introduction.

Handshakes

The physical connection you make when shaking hands with someone can leave a powerful impression. When someone's handshake is unpleasant in any way, we often associate negative character traits with that person. A firm handshake made with direct eye contact sets the stage for a positive encounter.

Women take note: To avoid any confusion during an introduction, always extend your hand when greeting someone. Remember, men and women are equals in the workplace.

Appearance

Business attire rules are somewhat relaxed in England, but conservative dress is still very important for both men and women.

Dark suits, usually black, blue, or gray, are quite acceptable.

Men's shirts should not have pockets; if they do, the pockets should always be kept empty. Additionally, men should wear solid or patterned ties, while avoiding striped ties.

Men wear laced shoes, not loafers.

Businesswomen are not as limited to colors and styles as men are, though it is still important to maintain a conservative image.

Behaviour

Always be punctual in England. Arriving a few minutes earlier for safety is acceptable.

Decision-making is slower in England than in the United States; therefore it is unwise to rush the English into making a decision.

A simple handshake is the standard greeting (for both men and women) for business occasions and for visiting a home.

Privacy is very important to the English. Therefore asking personal questions or intensely staring at another person should be avoided.

Eye contact is seldom kept during British conversations.



To signal that something is to be kept confidential or secret, tap your nose.

Personal space is important in England, and one should maintain a wide physical space when conversing. Furthermore, it is considered inappropriate to touch others in public.

Giftsare generally not part of doing business in England.

A business lunch will often be conducted in a pub and will consist of a light meal and perhaps a pint of ale.

When socializing after work hours, do not bring up the subject of work.

 


Date: 2016-01-05; view: 1123


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