Taking part in international events is the perfect way to network and close business deals. However, you should know that each culture has its own rules of etiquette. Follow these tips to avoid offending anyone at your work events!
London, May 24, 2015
Every year at Pangea Logistics Network, we organise a global meeting which is attended by representatives from our worldwide members. It is an enriching multicultural meeting and one that often sees noticeably different rules of etiquette depending on the different countries involved. So, we’re going to look at some of the more striking differences you should know about to be well-mannered when dealing with people from other cultures.
Greetings: shaking hands is the most international way of saying hello for men and women according to BBC.com. Always greet the oldest person first. Make sure the handshake is firm enough to show interest as a weak or dead handshake indicates signs of distrust. Kisses, hugs and other signs of affection are better kept for people you already know.
Business cards: exchanging business cards is common in many places but it is especially important in Asian countries, as reported by Entrepreneur.com. When you receive a business card, examine it carefully to show interest and then leave it on the table during the meeting. When the meeting finishes put the card away carefully in your card holder or pocket and never write anything on the card.
Punctuality: being punctual is obviously considered correct behaviour, although it appears countries in the south are less fussy about this topic according to Forbes.com. It’s important to arrive at appointments at the agreed time and never arrive beforehand as this may inconvenience your host. It’s also not advisable to make plans for immediately after the meeting as it may sometimes start late or go over time.
Meals: as a general rule you should always use cutlery, eat with your mouth closed, and keep your hands on the table. If you are not familiar with something on the menu you should definitely ask before trying it. Normally talking about business is frowned upon during the meal and it’s better to wait for the table talk after the meal. And the bill should always be paid by whoever suggested going to the restaurant.
Personal space: this is something that often causes misunderstandings. When you are speaking to someone you have just met, you should keep a distance of at least 50 cm. This is known as the “intimate space” area and is reserved for family members and friends. However, in some countries it’s quite common to get close to someone to speak with them and you must be tolerant.
Goodbyes: this is one of the rules of etiquette that we usually fail to comply with. You should never leave a meeting or a social gathering without saying anything (commonly known as ghosting or the Irish goodbye). The most appropriate thing to do is to say goodbye to everyone individually if it’s a small group, or if it’s a larger meeting, make sure to say goodbye to the host and the people you came with.
Sarah Bidmead, Network Manager at Pangea Logistics Network (www.pangea-network.com)
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