FLAWLESS FEASTING: Executive Table Manners

In the mid 1800’s the English judge Lord William Stowell quotes, ”A dinner lubricates business.” This statement still holds truth today in the twenty-first century marketplace. A prerequisite of a successful executive is the ability to foster and cultivate business relationships over a meal. Regardless of whether it be a refined dining atmosphere or a casual environment manners at the table imply your intelligence level, character and attentiveness to the finer details of life that translate into nonverbal messages about your professional competence and capabilities. Yes, how you handle your napkin, hold your fork or speak to the restaurant staff can affect your career ambitions.

Taking Your Seat: Where do I sit?
W.S. Gilbert, English dramatist and librettist wrote, “It isn’t so much what’s on the table that matters as what’s on the chairs.” Allow the host to direct the seating arrangements if place cards aren’t visible. If the host does not offer guidance, take the seat nearest you. Honored guests are customarily seated to the right of the host during the meal. Standing behind the chair, approach or enter your seat from the right side. There is no gender distinction in a professional setting so a man is not expected to pull out a woman’s chair although if he chooses to do so a simple thank you is in order. Handbags, cell phones, Blackberries, briefcases, and papers, should be placed on the lap or under the chair, not on the dining table.

EXECUTIVE ETIQUETTE POWER

Co-authored by Debra Gitto