Professional situations can often be confusing and make many people feel awkward – for example, in a situation where they don't know that business etiquette differs from standard social etiquette.
In her book 'The Essentials Of Business Etiquette', Barbara Pachter explains the specific rules we need to understand in order to present ourselves well in professional situations.
The most important tips from the book on how to meet, dress, and dine in restaurants during business situations are as follows:
1. Always stand when introduced to another person.
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2. Always introduce yourself with your full name on a business occasion.
You may shorten your name if it is long or difficult to pronounce.
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3. Always initiate the handshake if you are in a higher position, regardless of gender and age.
If the higher-ranking person fails to do so, the lower-ranking person should offer their hand.
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4. Dress appropriately.
Clothing, an important part of non-verbal communication, can enhance a person's professional reputation or undermine trust in them.
Always check the dress code for a given event before attending.
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5. Always say 'thank you' one or two times during a conversation.
It is necessary to say it no more than 1 or 2 times during a conversation. Otherwise, you will dilute the effect of the word and risk looking helpless and in need.
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6. Send individual thank-you notes to each person it concerns, not one general one.
The thank-you note must be sent within 24 hours of the event. A paper letter may be delayed by days, unlike an electronic one.
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7. Never pull out a chair for someone to sit during a business meeting.
It is acceptable to open the door for your guest, but not to pull out their chair, regardless of gender. In business situations, the rule from non-business etiquette does not apply.
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8. Do not cross your legs during a business meeting.
Both men and women do it, but in a business situation it could be distracting and have a sexual element.
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9. Point with gathered fingers.
Point with your palm and gathered fingers. Using your index finger for this purpose is considered aggressive.
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10. Always break bread with your hands.
During a business lunch, do not use a knife to cut your bread. Break the small roll in half with your hands and pinch off one piece at a time to eat, buttering it before you eat it.
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11. Do not order anything too expensive during a business lunch.
It will look like you are showing an advantage over your conversation partner if you order too expensive a dish.
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12. Do not move or arrange your dishes on the table.
You are not a waiter. Let the appropriate staff do their job. Your conversation partner could feel pressured to finish if they haven't finished eating yet.
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13. Keep your choice balanced with that of your guest during a business lunch.
This means that if your guest orders an appetizer or dessert, it is necessary to follow their choice.
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14. Never ask for food to be packed to take home after a business lunch.
It is acceptable after a family meal, not after a business one.
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15. Know what dishes and utensils are for and how they are arranged on the table.
Arrangement of dishes and utensils: http://on.fb.me/1sLGrN0; http://on.fb.me/1rHKZ54; http://on.fb.me/1uytRAL.
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16. The host always pays the entire bill during a business lunch.
The host is the one who extended the invitation and accordingly pays the bill, regardless of gender. If the man insists on paying the bill during a business lunch, even though the woman is the host, she can say that the funds are from the company, not hers, or ask her partner for forgiveness and go pay the bill herself.
If the man still insists on paying, avoid a heated argument and let him do so.
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Source: Business Insider Malaysia