Whether it's a new intern at her first formal business dinner, or a seasoned professional out for a power lunch, business meals are big business. But it's becoming more and more apparent that a lack of manners is just plain bad business.
"Your manners may not necessarily help you; it's more that your lack of manners may hurt you," said Dr. Jim Siebert, chief meteorologist for KVBC in Las Vegas.
Though Siebert studies meteorology professionally, he is also somewhat of an expert in manners.
Beginning at the tender age of 7, Siebert began attending power lunches with his business-mogul father. Even at that age, Siebert's parents had trained him to have impeccable manners, and Siebert could see how his father reacted to other people's manners.
"You bet. My father's employees had to look as good as they were at their jobs," he said.
TIPS FOR BUSINESS DINNERS
From his experiences during his childhood and as an adult, Siebert has learned several important keys to business meal etiquette:
* "Just relax and enjoy the moment." Though it may seem counterintuitive, Siebert suggests relaxing because the purpose of a dinner, rather than just an interview or meeting, is to get to know each other. "Think of it as having a nice conversation with a potential boss," he said.
* "Use common sense." Sometimes people get so keyed-up about a dinner that they will forget the simplest things, like failing to button their shirts correctly and forcing the boss avert their eyes all evening. According to Siebert, people should make sure to take care of the basics such as zipping pants and brushing teeth before the dinner.
* "Don't order the most expensive thing on the menu." Just because it's a free meal does not mean you should order the filet mignon and a two-pound lobster, but remember not to order the cheapest thing either. "Just order right down the middle," Siebert said.
MANNERS ARE MORE POPULAR
But Siebert isn't the only one concentrating on manners these days. A recent Washington Post article heralded the increasing emphasis on manners in an article headlined "In a Tougher Job Market, the Old Etiquette Returns."
In fact, teaching people good business manners has become a profitable business in itself. Protocol and etiquette consultants are in high demand as business professionals realize that getting ahead may require becoming more proper.
And, the Web site ryangrpinc.com is only one of many that specialize in helping people learn more polished manners. The site offers video-recorded answers to frequently asked etiquette questions. Thus, people can use footage streamed via the Internet to see how to butter bread properly. (Break off a piece that is small enough for one or two bites and butter it individually; repeat).
Business etiquette may not be easy to perfect, but it is increasingly important. And as the job market keeps getting tougher, now might be the time to brush up.
Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Feb 2002
