- GREETINGS
AND INTRODUCTIONS -
Author: Joan Kulmala - Image Coach
Totally-U Image
Communications
Something as simple
as using good manners or as I would like to refer to in the business arena - business
etiquette skills will complement an individual’s personality, credibility and
respect within their organization. The exercise of honing and practicing these
skills are on going. With the ever changing pace of doing business today, the
new attitudes; the new behaviour policies and the expectations; it may be very intimidating and frightening and
often given very little consideration.
Having good manners
extends further than just knowing how to act at a social gathering. In business
it means how to meet and greet people, how to network, how to handle criticism,
what is acceptable attire, communication skills, and much more.
The following are
some very important tips when meeting and greeting persons within your own work
environment. In order to establish a good first impression take time to
acknowledge others with respect and warmth.
.
GREETINGS AND
INTRODUCTIONS
WHEN:
At business social mixers, meetings,
boardrooms, when overlooked by someone’s introductions, when seated next to
someone at a luncheon, or when someone is having trouble placing you.
WHO’S FIRST:
- Introduce the person with the greater
authority or importance, not age or gender. However there is one exception to
this rule. The client should always come first.
NAMES ARE NOT ENOUGH:
Stop what you are doing, stand up and come
forward to meet and greet. This action only takes a second and it’s a little
physical exercise from sitting. It is very important to look at each person as
you make the introduction. Don’t be afraid to extent a warm greeting and hand
shake. Make sure you get the name
right. If you are unsure of the pronunciation of the name – just ask. To save
time have a little information to start the conversation. If you are not required
to sit in on the meeting, graciously excuse yourself and return to your own
office space.
ie. “Mrs. Jane Kirk, I would like to
introduce Mr. John Smith our Executive Director. Mrs. Kirk is here to inquire
about volunteering for our upcoming event.”
HANDSHAKE:
WHEN: In business a handshake
is given when one is offered another hand, upon meeting someone, greeting
guests, host or hostess, renewing an acquaintance or saying good bye.
HOW: Do it with
confidence! Make sure your handshake is firm but not too strong. Do not hold
the shake for a long period and do not pump the life out of the receiver’s
socket. Once completed, invite your guest to be seated.
Anything more than
this type of greeting is unacceptable. Touching is taboo. Be very careful to
not cross over the boundaries of acceptable behaviour.
Some people interpret
various actions differently. If you keep to the simple rules of greeting you
will leave no room for questions or innuendo.
A good example of a
person who practices this is Rosie O’Donnell. If you have ever watched her
television show, she always gets up from behind her desk and walks around to
meet and greet her guest by extending a welcoming hand which is accompanied by
an infectious smile. It’s a nice ice-breaker for some individuals who may be
nervous. Her job is to put her guests at ease, to make them feel comfortable
and special. Thus, with all parties feeling at ease the dialogue begins. This
technique can be transferred to any business environment.
Poor business
etiquette skills are something you can change by practicing and learning to be
more aware of how you relate to others. Be more conscious of how you greet
others. Is it the way you would like to be greeted? Use common sense and take the time to consider the feelings of
others. By honing this skill it can make all the difference in your bid for
advancement in your career or as a leader of others. This is your investment
both professionally and personally to polishing up on this simple skill of
meeting and greeting. It’s your opportunity to be totally-you.