Lesson 5 - Business Etiquette Part 1: Learning Objectives

Lesson 5 – BUSINESS ETIQUETTE Part 1
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the student must be able to:
• Identify Business etiquette
• Familiarize the difference of business and social behavior and identify the
proper handshake
INTRODUCTION:
This lesson deals with the things related to business etiquette
CONTENT:
In business, the relationships you build are critical. Establishing good rapport is
significant if you want to progress your professional future, take on new clients,
impress your boss or close that final sale. The way to build positive relationships in
the business world is by exercising good etiquette, specifically by exhibiting top-notch
communication skills. If others are speaking, give them your full attention and make
eye contact to let them know you are engaged in the conversation. This is known as
active listening. When it is your turn to speak, be clear and concise, and avoid jargon
that your audience would not understand. Add a smile and a handshake so others
find you pleasant to work with.
Etiquette is a set of unwritten rules that apply to social situations, professional
workplaces and relationships. In the business world, good business etiquette means
that you act professionally and exercise proper manners when engaging with others
in your profession. Good business etiquette is a valuable skill-set that will make you
stand out from others, enhance your chances at success and help you land that
dream job.
Business vs Social Behavior
Key Points
The rules of business etiquette are very similar to the rules of social etiquette. But
there is a difference between the two sets of manners. This section helps you master
workplace people skills. In today’s world, mastering your business manner is a
crucial careen survival strategy.
Social etiquette has remained unchanged though out the years, but the business
environment has revolutionized in leaps and bounds. The business world your
grandparents knew was, for the most part, a homogenous, male-centered
environment, which followed the same basic code of conduct as the social sphere.
Today however, it has transformed together with technology; and to successfully
survive the competitive world of business today, a full grasp of the do’s and don’ts of
business etiquette has become a requirement.
Fundamental Differences of Business and Social Behavior
(1) Gender – business etiquette is genderless, meaning that being courteous is proper
in social etiquette but is not appropriate in a business setting. While social etiquette
may be based on chivalry, business etiquette has military underpinnings, which is
based on power and hierarchy. Business associates are expected to be treated as
peers regardless of gender.
(2) Ability – persons with disabilities are treated with the same respect accorded to
any professional, and never in a condescending, embarrassed, or apologetic manner.
Furthermore, you must remember to respect their rights.
(3) Introductions – introduction protocols differ slightly between business and social
situations. Socially, you introduce the person you wish to honor first, (the woman,
your mon, your grandmother, the adult, and so on). In business, you introduce the
client to anyone by naming the client first, as they carry the more important role.
Socially, you can get away with using first names when introducing people. This is
not so in business; always introduce people using their first and last names.
(4) Technology – the rules for business and social etiquette vastly different when it
comes to using technology. Personal e-mails and phone calls can be as informal as
you wish. Work and business e-mails, however, should be professional. Do not send
jokes or chain e-mails to your colleagues. Your phone should be turned off or at least
in silent mode during a meeting or a business lunch. In the office, if you must take a
personal call from your cellphone, find a private area where you can talk away from
your cubicle or desk.
(5) Meals – dining etiquette between social and business situations is also somewhat
different. Socially, the man should offer to pay when in a restaurant. Business-wise,
however, the person who requested the meeting pays for the meal. In a social
situation, you can order what you want from the menu, but generally in business
lunches, do not order anything that is messy to eat including food that you need to
use your hands to eat.
The Handshake
Key Points
The business handshake is a key part of first impression. Done correctly, the
business handshake conveys confidence, sincerity, and professionalism. Practice the
business handshake tips in this section to make a positive first impression.
Business Handshake Rules
1. Always stand for handshakes. Handshakes are always offered received while
standing. Do so unless you are physically unable, or you cannot maneuver yourself
to an upright position. In business settings, close your coat buttons.
2. Know who should initiate the handshake. As a general rule, a handshake
should be offered by the person of higher authority to the person of lower status.
3. A proper handshake begins when the web of your hand meets the web of
another’s hand. The “web” is the curved expanse of space from top of your thumb to
the tip of your index finger. Once connected, pump two to three times while
maintaining direct eye contact.
4. Consider age, physical ability, and health issues. Elderly hands should always
be handled more delicately. As a guide, use the same pressure you get from their
handshakes. Follow their lead.
5. Avoid the ouch. Your fashion may hurt other’s impression of you. Wear that
oversized ring on your left hand so you can do the proper handshake without
triggering physical pain on the other person.
6. Offer your hand only after an introduction has been made. Wait until you’ve
been introduced before offering your hand so you can catch the name of the other
person and repeat it when you eventually shake hands.
7. Avoid offering a “fish hand”. A limp is never a good idea when it comes to a
business handshake. Do return the grip, but do not get into a power struggle, even if
the other person squeezes too hard.
8. Use just one hand. Curb the urge of clasping your handshake partner’s hand
with two hands. It is always better to use only one – your right hand. A two-handed
handshake is also called the politician’s shake; it appears and feels artificially
friendly and overbearing when used with people you barely know and are meeting for
the first time.
9. Shaking a sweaty hand. If the hand you’ve shaken has a sweaty palm, do not
further embarrass the person, who is already probably aware his/her palm is wet, by
making a face, wiping your hands on your clothes, grabbing the nearest tissue, or
reaching for your handkerchief. Discreetly wipe your hands out of the other person’s
sight; and make sure you wash your hands later.
Perfecting Your Business Handshake
1. Mind your stance – as you are introduced to somebody or as you approach,

make eye contact; give a quick smile.
2. Begin with an oral introduction – before extending your hand, make sure that
oral introductions are over.
3. Contact web to web – extend your right are in front of you with your right
thumb pointing up, your elbows should be bent, and your palm ready to receive the
other person’s.
4. Pump your hand – wrap your fingers around theirs and lay your thumb down
gently.
5. Shake from your elbow – remember to pump your hand from your elbow and
not your shoulders.
6. Adjust your grip – the proper business handshake should be painless to both
persons involved.
7. Release your hand – a business handshake should be brief and to the point.
REFERENCE/S:
• Personality and Soft Skills Development For Workplace Success. J. G. San

Miguel. Published in 2015 by C & E Publishing, Inc.
• https://www.jobmonkey.com/shake-hands-
professionally/#:~:text=Use%20The%20Correct%20Hand%20%E2%80%93%20
Most,the%20person%20you%20are%20greeting.

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Lesson 5 – BUSINESS ETIQUETTE Part 1

Fundamental Differences of Business and Social Behavior

Perfecting Your Business Handshake

1. Mind your stance – as you are introduced to somebody or as you approach,

• Personality and Soft Skills Development For Workplace Success. J. G. San

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