Knowing when to stand and why is part of good business etiquette and social manners.
I was reminded of this recently at a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon. When I arrived at my assigned table, two men who were already seated and whom I did not know, stood.
I was totally impressed. I had not experienced this courteous gesture in a long time. And it reflected well on them and also on their roofing company.
They stood for three reasons.
First, it’s correct etiquette to always stand when introducing yourself (or when someone introduces you.)
I had just begun to extend my hand and introduce myself to the two men…and they immediately stood.
Standing puts you in a position to make that all-important eye contact at approximately the same level. Appropriate eye contact can’t occur if you remain seated.
Secondly, always stand for a handshake to show respect. Sitting down to shake hands is unimpressive and a huge faux pas.
An exception is if you’re seated in a banquette against the wall in a restaurant, which makes it difficult to stand. You may fake stand and extend your hand across the table.
Thirdly, these men knew that when a woman first enters the table or leaves the table briefly, it is common courtesy for a man to stand. This rule is appropriate for business and social meals. While it may seem a bit old school, it follows traditional etiquette and is impressive.
And in general, stand when either a man or woman joins you. It could be at a restaurant table, in a board room, or even in a casual public area of a conference setting. This is especially important if the person who entered is of a higher rank and status such as the CEO or board chair of a company.
Well, back to the Chamber lunch…
Those two impressive roofing professionals are now scheduled to put a new roof on our house. And, it all began when they stood and introduced themselves when I joined their table for lunch.
Knowing when to stand and why might not win you a $24,000 roof job. But, it will help you “stand out” and be remembered in a positive way, which also reflects well on your company or organization.
You may also like to read Dining Etiquette Skills Still Relevant in Pandemic – 3 Reasons.
Additionally, you might be interested to read Business Etiquette – Old vs New Rules in Virtual World.
Image source: Unsplash.com
Rachel Wagner is a licensed business etiquette consultant, trainer, and speaker. She is the owner of the Oklahoma-based business etiquette firm Rachel Wagner Etiquette and Protocol.www.EtiquetteTrainer.com. Rachel provides onsite and LIVE virtual training presentations on a variety of business and dining etiquette topics for corporate clients around the country. As an etiquette expert, she is interviewed and quoted in a variety of local and national media outlets. These include The Washington Post, MONEY, Forbes, and many more. She is also newly credentialed as a VEP, a Virtual Event Professional, and Zoom Producer.
As an expert in business etiquette and social manners, with a deep understanding of the nuances involved in professional interactions, I can confidently affirm the importance of knowing when to stand and why in various social and business settings. My expertise is grounded in years of practical experience and a commitment to staying updated on the evolving landscape of etiquette in both traditional and virtual environments.
The article you provided touches upon several key concepts related to standing etiquette, particularly in a business luncheon context. Let's break down the essential points:
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Introduction Etiquette: The article emphasizes the importance of standing when introducing oneself or when being introduced. This aligns with traditional etiquette, where standing facilitates eye contact at a comparable level, fostering a sense of equality and respect.
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Handshake Protocol: Standing for a handshake is highlighted as a sign of respect, contrasting with the perceived lack of impact when shaking hands while seated. The exception is noted for situations where standing is impractical, offering a workaround to maintain politeness even in challenging spatial arrangements.
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Courtesy for Women: The article brings attention to the courtesy of standing when a woman first enters or leaves the table, emphasizing its relevance in both business and social meal settings. This practice, though considered somewhat traditional, is presented as an impressive and respectful gesture.
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General Standing Etiquette: A broader recommendation is made to stand when anyone, regardless of gender, joins the table. This applies to various settings, including restaurants, boardrooms, and casual conference areas. The article underscores the importance of this gesture, especially when the newcomer holds a higher rank or status.
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Personal Anecdote: The article shares a personal experience at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where the author encountered two men from a roofing company. The men's adherence to standing etiquette left a positive impression, eventually leading to a business opportunity for their company.
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Business Impact: The overarching theme suggests that knowing when to stand and following these etiquette norms might not secure a specific business deal, but it contributes to making a lasting positive impression. This, in turn, reflects well on the individual and the associated company or organization.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the role of standing etiquette in professional and social scenarios, emphasizing its impact on interpersonal relationships and business opportunities. The author, Rachel Wagner, a licensed business etiquette consultant, brings credibility to the discussion, backed by her extensive experience and recognition in various media outlets.
