The Business Lunch – Secrets Corporate Won’t Share With You!
Creating a positive impression, whether you are meeting an associate in your office for the first time or attending a lunch with your boss, is critical for advancement in the workplace.
The secret that human resource experts have shared is that many times an executive will take one of their employees to lunch with the purpose “to observe” their actions – not only their table manners, but how they treat the service staff. They may be privately considering their employee for job advancement and through the business lunch can observe their interpersonal skills which are vital for any kind of job that would entail interfacing with the client.
For those high paying corporate jobs that one undergoes multiple interview sessions, the “interview lunch” is always part of the checklist. Most colleges and universities have also realized the importance of basic dining skills as they have incorporated the business lunch into their job fair programs.
Understanding the subtleties of the business lunch and mastering a few of the “do’s and don’ts” will certainly increase your success in the corporate world.
- Turn your cell phone off before sitting down so that your host may have your undivided attention.
- Upon sitting down, place your napkin in your lap.
- Always treat the service staff with kindness, saying please and thank you. Watch your temperament.
- Don’t order alcohol – even a glass of wine – even if your host should have one. This may be a test!
- Select food from the menu that is simple to eat. Avoid ordering difficult foods such as pasta or ribs, reserve those for dining with your family.
- Never start to eat until your host has been served and he or she begins to eat, first!
- Though you may be at an informal location, be always on your guard as you are on display!
- Be aware of your non-verbal motions. Pay attention to what is being said (listening skills with eye contact) and avoid the roving eye as to what is happening at other tables, etc.
- Allow your host to bring up the topic of conversation. Never discuss business unless they bring up the subject.
- Don’t ask personal questions. Don’t be too friendly.
- Don’t talk too much – something we tend to do when nervous.
- No jokes please. While your environment should be pleasant save the jokes for your friends.
- Ladies, please excuse yourself and go the restroom should you need to put on your lipstick.
- Never put it on at the table. Learn the technique of “no lipstick” on the glass skill.
- Upon completion of the meal, pinch the center of your napkin and place it on the left hand side of your place setting.
In the workplace, you are always being observed. Be professional and keep your distance in not being too friendly with anyone otherwise you may be compromising your job and your future.