20 years ago I actually taught business courses on how to put your best face forward in business scenarios. Many of the courses were directed at females only and talked about a professional image as well as little things that women were not being taught previously: how to correctly shake hands etc. Things I'd like to think are now just standard behaviour for men and women in today's world.
What's the old saying? "We've come a long way Baby!"
Then, I came across a newspaper article written by Pamela Eyring which actually made me say out loud W.T.H.???
It was called Business dining: Dos and don'ts. Manners matter when the dinner table functions as the boardroom table.
No offence to Ms Eyring, but isn't this all commonplace nowadays? At least for professionals??
Maybe not . . .
We now have young business people, male and female, who have never been taught the normal niceties. They might never have sat down to a family dinner table and been correctly shown what is and is not acceptable. That saddens me but it is a sign of our times.
I have come across people in their 20s who have never learned how to set the table, let alone how to actually dine at a table. They've eaten every meal in front of the tv or computer (as do their parents) No only do they not know which fork to use, they don't even know that there might be a possibility of multiple forks at their place setting!
Yes, I know the world has become much more informal. I know that some things are just not seen as important any longer but I disagree . . . First impressions are lasting impressions and this includes business lunches or dinners.
In Ms Eyring's article, she advises things such as Be On Time! (this is a pet peeve of mine as any of my regular readers can attest to!)
Another pet peeve Pamela advises on is Turn Off ALL Devices Before Being Seated!!!
I suggest BEFORE YOU GREET THE PERSON!!!!
It is not a difficult task to accomplish - just do it! You will not be seen as the All Important Go To Guy if your phone is constantly interrupting. You will be seen and rude and ignorant. Big difference! (Unless you are expecting a very important call and you announce that to your guest in advance - there are exceptions to every rule.)
She goes on to say Follow Good Form (or manners 101) Things like what to do with your napkin, your cutlery, DON'T TAKE FOOD FROM SOMEONE'S PLATE!!
Really? Are we in prison?
Oh yes one more tip: Know what is yours and what is your neighbours! I was taught when I was a Five Year Old: Lumpy to the Left and Runny to the Right - get it? But I am always surprised at a dinner companion using my bread plate or drinking from my water glass. Yes, I know some of my friends were raised by wolves!
And finally, Remember what Your Mother Told You: toys off the table. (phone especially - see above!)
And, be kind to your server.
???
Again, to me this is just common knowledge but before any of you can say it . . .
Common knowledge is no longer Common!!!
So before your next public meal (I say at home meals too but I might be outvoted on this one) pay attention to the above rules and if you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to ask BEFORE you embarrass yourself.
And to Pamela Eyring, thank you for keeping on keeping on! I would like to have thought we no longer had a need for what we both taught, but sadly that is not the case. So to you Pamela, I say you have my respect and my thanks for still trying to make the world a more civilized place!
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