[Illustration of a man eating with his tie thrown over his shoulder]
The Watering Trough
Why is it that men of a certain age and worth suddenly start believing it’s acceptable to throw a tie over their shoulder before eating? And I’m not talking about some informal lunch break around the conference table. No, what I’m talking about are business lunches at fine restaurants. There are no two ways around this: it is completely unacceptable. If you need to (a) throw your tie over your shoulder, or (b) to tuck a napkin into your shirt collar like a bib, then stop! Sit up, slow down, chew properly and remember, you’re no longer a caveman. It’s called civility.
[Illustration of a man reclining with his legs crossed while others eat around him]
The Cowboy Saloon
You know the situation: everyone’s sitting down at a dinner party and one guy bolts his food down before the host can even say ‘sahtain’. Worse, he sits back, makes sounds of satisfaction and crosses his legs before throwing himself into conversation. Again, this is objectionable. First, never eat before the host. Second, eat decorously enough to be able to talk between mouthfuls. Lastly and most importantly, there’s no polite way to cross your legs at the table so whether it’s leg over leg or ankle on leg, it doesn’t matter – just don’t do it.
[Illustration of a man and woman shaking hands]
The Tour de Force
Shaking hands with women in business situations in our region can be like navigating a minefield. First, if she’s wearing a hijab do not extend your hand, simply press it against your chest and nod respectfully. If you do shake, don’t let the difference in hand size cause problems. Whatever else you do, get the pressure right. A limp handshake will make you seem weak and an over-forceful one, a bully. Envelope her hand - but not fully - and grip lightly. The whole point of a handshake is to convey trust, balance and equality, not to show dominance or submission.
[Illustration of a man with a Bluetooth earpiece on]
The Security Detail
There’s nothing more hilarious than someone who walks around with their Bluetooth earpiece still attached. Not only is it confusing, because at first you’re wondering who on earth they’re talking to, but no matter how you well the person is dressed, how beautifully they’re groomed and with which manners they present themselves, that earpiece makes them look more than a little cuckoo. So Bluetoothers beware, only Trekkies and bodyguards auditioning for the Secret Service can get away with such a display. Everyone else should take theirs out and pocket it.
