Social Graces, Business Places
By Susan Morem
Some companies would never consider hiring someone for an important position without first taking them out for dinner. Why? Because the way a person handles him or herself in a more relaxed atmosphere can be very telling.
If you are interviewing for a job, entertaining prospective clients or going out with coworkers, beware: The way you handle yourself is just as important in the office as it is at a business lunch, formal black tie affair or social function related to business. Company picnics and holiday parties can be potential problems: mix a festive occasion, a party after hours, and plenty of free food and alcohol and you have a potential disaster.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from people who unknowingly made fatal career errors unknowingly. Alcohol is the biggest contributor to regrettable behavior, but bad manners are just as likely to derail a person’s career.
The following tips will help you start off on the right foot and maintain your social graces in a variety of business places:
- Drink. If alcohol is served and you must drink, limit your alcohol consumption.
- Dress provocatively.
- Talk with food in your mouth
- Gossip or speak negatively about others
- Get too personal in your conversations
- Monopolize the conversation or talk about yourself too much
- Introduce yourself to those you don't know
- Be interested in others: Ask questions; listen and respond to what is being said
- Stick with light conversation topics –the weather, sports, ‘light’ news events, etc.
- Offer a firm, strong handshake to every one you meet
- Turn your cell phone off when with others
- Ask questions and be a good listener. Don’t be nosy; be interested
Good manners are expected; brush up on your manners today!
