Shake Hands Like a Pro

MSN Careers page had a useful article on when and how to shake hands this week.  It has important info for anyone who wants to project a professional, confident image.  A few things I would add to the list of do's and don'ts:

• DO prepare in advance to greet people with a good handshake by keeping your hands washed, nails clean, and refraining from coughing into your hand. 
• DO say the other person's name as you extend your hand.
• DO give eye contact and smile when you shake hands.
• DON'T do the pinch (no description necessary - you all know what I mean)!  If you are a man, DO NOT do the pinch to a woman - it is a tremendous sign of disrespect.  If you are a woman, DO NOT do the pinch to a man - it signals weakness and insecurity.
• DON'T wear perfumed, scented lotion or aftershave on your hands.  It is not polite to expect other people to smell like you for the rest of the day.
• DON'T be ashamed to politely decline to shake if you have just obviously sneezed, blown your nose, or coughed into your hand.   As a mom of two, I am very comfortable saying, "So nice to meet you.  Please forgive me for not shaking hands, I seem to have a bit of a cold and don't want to share it!"  Most people thank me for this.

You handshake conveys an awful lot about you in just a few seconds - it's worth it to spend some time and thought to get it right!

Comments

[Scott McArthur]

Nice to see some really important and much ignored issues being discussed.

I call these early interactions "polish your shoes" which covers handshakes, small talk, the room, the walls, personality type etc. etc. Say to anyone when was the last time you polished their shoes then explain what it really means and you will be amazed at the impact you can have.

Great blog.

[Johnben Loy]

Caveat: These are appropriate suggestions for Westernized business cultures only! Be prepared to encounter significantly different styles when interacting cross-culturally, even within the US of A!

---------------
Jonben -
Thanks for raising an excellent point! If you have any resources on cross-cultural business etiquette to share with our readers, feel free to send to me to post, or post on your blog and I will link.
Peggy

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