Leadership Skills

Greetings

First impressions really do matter. Whether you are new to a group or meeting a new member of the group, your initial approach will set the tone for your relationship. Relax because there are only a few things to remember.

Greeting Other People

Here is what you must remember when you are meeting someone for the first time:

• Rise (if possible), if you are sitting
• Make eye contact with the person
• Say hello or give a greeting
• Introduce yourself, if not being introduced
• Smile
• Initiate or receive a handshake
• Remember that everyone is important and deserves respect

The Business Handshake

We have all experienced too tight or too limp handshakes. Here are the tips to remember:

• Your hand should be clean and dry
• Grip the other person's hand palm to palm
• Use a firm grip, but not too firm
• Maintain eye contact (in the U.S. culture)
• Maintain the handshake for 3-4 seconds
• Do not "pump" the person's hand
• Do not jerk away from the person
• Say something

Making Introductions

It is always confusing who should be introduced to whom and what to say. These tips should help:

• Say the name of the "power" person first—introduce that person to the other people
  

  President Smith, may I introduce Tom Jones, our vice president of relations. President Smith has been our college president for seven years.

• Introduce younger people to older people
• Make introductions while standing (unless seated at a table and the presentation has begun)
• Use first names only if given permission
• Use proper titles
• Say something about each person to facilitate discussion

Remembering Names

We all forget a name or title now and then. Do not be afraid to admit it. Here are some tips:

• Use formal names and titles, especially with higher ranking and older people.
• If you forget a name, be straightforward and say something, such as, "Your name was on the tip of my tongue a minute ago, please help me out."
• Never assume to use someone's first name. Wait for persmission, such as, "Please call me Ruth."

Business Cards

At some point you will either be handed a business card or be asked for one. There is a protocol in this country to how to give and receive business cards. If you are dealing with people from Asian cultures, be sure to research their traditions because they are much more formal.

Presenting Your Business Card

Keep your cards in a professional case so they are easily accessible. Here are the other important things to remember:

• Remember they are not seeds—do not give them out at random
• Your card shoud be clean and in good condition
• Hand the card to the receiver face up so it can be read by him or her
• Hold the card by one of the top corners (by both corners if presenting to a person from an Asian country)
• Allow the receiver time to look at the card

Receiving a Business Card

• Take the card as it was presented (with one or two hands) and grasp it at the bottom corner(s)
• Take a few moments to look at the card, especially the name and title
• Make a positive comment about the card
• Place the card in a card case, front pocket, or portfolio pocket (never in your back pocket)
• Accept the card whether you want it or not
• Never fold the card
• Never write on the card

In case you are wondering about writing on the card, consider it to be the presenter's face. If he or she states that there is a different phone number or email address, return the card to the person and allow him or her to write it on the card. Believe it or not, some people are offended by how others write on their business cards.