How to Behave Properly During a Business Meal
April 24, 2009 | In: Career, Self Improvement, Special Occassions
Business Meals
Business dinner or lunches entail double effort – being in business while watching your table manners. Here are some tipz on how to properly behave if you are dining out with a boss:
Act professionally. You, operating outside office hours and outside the office premises, don’t give you license to let your hair down. You are still technically at work and you do not want to leave a negative impression on your boss (or horror of horrors, an important client).
You don’t want to blurt out all your secrets and secret hatred for your boss, do you? Drink in moderation. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself being fired the next day for calling your boss names while drunk the other night.
Be charming, but let your boss be on center stage. Impress your boss by being witty and congenial. But if you have other people with you, curb your enthusiasm a bit and let your boss be under the spotlight.
If you are to bring your spouse or partner, prep him or her with who are coming. Make sure that they know what to discuss and what not to discuss during dinner. Of course, if your spouse is as tactful as you are, they will refrain from saying anything that will put your job on the line.
Dress conservatively. Sure, you can look great but try not to look like you’re going to seduce everyone in attendance.
As for the tab, whoever usually arranged the meal should pay. The boss usually pays. You should pay if you are dining with a client. If it’s with colleagues, then going dutch is okay. Whatever the arrangement is, try not to squabble about it. Be gracious if you are being treated.
Mind your table manners. Dining,is still dining, whether it is for business or not. Good table manners still apply.
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