Manners maketh man.William Horman
William Horman
Yes, manners do matter in the professional world
The unfortunate story of George
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10 tips to rock business dinner etiquette
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10 tips to master business dinner etiquette
We all just spent a year either in complete lockdown or in relative isolation from one another. As vaccine rollout continues to make strides worldwide, restrictions are starting to ease up again. That means that you’ll have to go back to being a physical, functional member of society once more. And that counts just as much in your personal life as it does in your professional life.It’s one thing to take a call on Zoom in a nice shirt or blouse and sweatpants. It’s completely another to meet with, say, a recruiter, a colleague, or a client face-to-face. Now that business travel is picking up again and we can physically come together, professionals worldwide are realizing that the meetings that matter happen in person.All business meals, whether business lunches or business dinners are actually very strategic. They give you the opportunity to get to know someone in a non-business setting. Everyone at the table gets to evaluate each other’s personalities, characters, professionalism, and even their social awareness.
We really shouldn’t have to tell you this. Showing up on time is Etiquette 101. Don’t keep the person or people you’re meeting waiting, and certainly don't show up as they're halfway through their entree or appetizer. It’s the height of rudeness. Show them you respect them by valuing their time. And never underestimate the value of a firm handshake!
Again, another obvious one. Treat all restaurant staff with respect. Say “please” and “thank you”, as you would to anyone. Don’t complain about the service, it comes across as negative and could offend your host if you’re overly critical.
In fact, your cell phone shouldn’t be anywhere visible. Keep it off the table, leave it in your bag or pocket, and put it on silent. You don’t want the people you’re dining with to think you wish you were somewhere else, do you? Show your business partner, client or colleague that it's important for you to be there with them.
A good rule of thumb is to go for a “business casual” look for these dinners. There’s no need to come fully formal like to a business meeting, but maybe leave the college sweatshirt at home. Make sure your clothes are clean and nicely ironed.
Don’t blow your nose at the table. Especially not into the napkin. Don’t pick your teeth. Don’t double-dip into a common dish, like a sauce or a salad. Chew with your mouth closed, and definitely don’t talk with your mouth full.
There’s no rule against having fun, just don’t have too much fun. Keep your wits about you. Pace yourself and drink slowly—even if your host or the others on the table aren’t. A good rule to follow is to drink a glass of water per glass of wine.
If you’re pouring yourself some water, always offer it to others first. Pour their water glass first and then serve yourself. The same holds true for any other food or drinks. You should also always ask if anyone wants anything when you order for yourself.
Always take small bites of your food rather than large ones. Don't be the first to sit at the dinner table, and let the host order first. Be sure to keep your silverware in the right order, and use it all for what it's meant for. Don't use your salad fork for meat, for example, and hold your knife in your right hand, and your fork in your left hand. Follow the host's lead over when to start your next course.
As a general rule of thumb, this will help you avoid embarrassment. You don’t want it to look like you only came to dinner for the free food, do you? Just leave what you couldn’t finish. If you really liked the food, come back with a friend.
If you’re the one who did the inviting, then you’re the one doing the paying. If you’ve been invited out, then it’s up to your host to pay. Make the move to pay by reaching for your purse or wallet at the end of the meal, but ultimately let your host pay.
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