Corporate Training Magazine

A Worldly View of Global Etiquette
Vol 2 Issue 4- Sept 2006

By Sue Jacques

Savvy professionals are fully aware that another rung has been added to the corporate ladder; knowledge of global etiquette. And successful business people understand that in order to show respect for their international colleagues they must be prepared. Just try wearing wrinkled khakis and a golf shirt to a business meeting in Japan, where conservative business suits are the norm, and you'll know what I mean.

It is imperative to do your homework before embarking on any international business trip. Something as basic as understanding the protocol surrounding the exchange of business cards can make or break a deal. At the very least, remember to always present your card with the type facing the recipient. And if your business takes you to a country where another language is spoken, have your statistical information translated to that language on one side of your card. But beware! Many a professional relationship has gone awry because of inaccurate translation, so take every step to ensure that the conversion is precise.

Following is an outline that can help you standardize your preparation for international business relations:

Understand Time
Many cultures have a different view of time than we do. In Latin America, for example, it is common for meetings to begin later than the assigned time. Many businesses observe an extended lunch break, closing their offices for a couple of hours in the early afternoon and reopening at 2:00 or 3:00 pm. When doing business in many European countries, such as Germany, Hungary and Norway punctuality is of the utmost importance. Expect to be looked down upon if you are late for an appointment or meeting.

Choose Your Professional Wardrobe with Care
Your international counterparts will form an impression of your level of professionalism the second that they lay eyes on you. It is equally important to dress professionally for the journey so that your professionalism is evident during your trip as well as upon your arrival. While North Americans generally dress more casually for business, in most other countries much more traditional executive attire is expected. When in doubt, opt for conservative formal business wear.

Show respect for local dress customs. While in the United Arab Emirates, I was fully aware that modesty in my dress was expected. And in Venezuela, business men and women are expected to be particularly well groomed and dressed.

Be Aware of How You Present Yourself
Gestures which are perfectly acceptable to us may be viewed as insulting in other cultures. Research this topic before you commence business with others; information is widely avail- able at most government websites and a plethora of other websites and books.

Avoid winking in Australia and India, and remember that the "thumbs up" signal is considered deeply offensive in many places, including Bangladesh. And if you find yourself handing a document to someone in Nepal or Malaysia, remember to use your right hand. By the way, never present the bottom of your foot to an Arab or speak to a Lithuanian while your hands are in your pockets.

Your business card is a tangible representation of your level of professionalism. Take a plentiful supply of cards on your travels; keep them clean, crisp and readily available. When someone presents their card to you, take the time to look at it. It is very helpful to make a positive comment about their card before you place it carefully in your business card holder. Do not, under any circumstances, deface someone else's business card!

Communicate Respectfully
No matter where your business travels take you, you need to know how to communicate your message. This will often begin long before you depart, via e-mails, written correspondence and telephone calls. Always communicate with respectful language. Pre-arranging a reliable translator may be required, and is a must in many countries.

In some places "yes" may mean "no". These cultural communication peculiarities must be understood in order to succeed in business.

Use humor with extreme caution. What we view as funny may be received as exactly the opposite!

Perfect your Greeting
Many of us are oblivious to the importance of a greeting. While in North America a firm handshake is the norm for both men and women, in many other countries a bow or double cheek kiss is customary. Find out so that you will not risk offending anyone or embarrassing yourself.

In business, introductions are imperative. Equally as important is having an understanding of the protocol for introductions for the country that you are visiting.

When addressing people, always choose formality. Wait for an invitation to call people by their first names, and be aware that in many cultures this invitation will never be extended.

Be Prepared
Think twice before ever "winging it" on a business trip. You must prepare every bit as much for the culture as you do for the business.

Remember to copy all of your important documents, including your passport and credit card numbers and leave them in a safe place. Nothing will take your focus off of business more than worrying about replacing these vital papers.

Relying on modern conveniences can bring you down. Do you have an electrical transformer if required? Do your cell phone and PDA work overseas? Think through these details to avoid potential frustration. Preparation leads to calmness, and calmness leads to confidence.

Consistency Matters, No Matter Where You Are
You don't need to be an international traveler to encounter different cultures. Whether from our armchairs or our office chairs, we all have daily inter- action with people of varied backgrounds. People don't need to be from somewhere different to be different, so avoid jumping to conclusions about people, whether home or abroad.

Learn about others. Be curious and ask respectful questions. The more we understand about each other, the more we can learn about ourselves and this big, beautiful world that we share.

We are all different, and having respect and consideration for others is the foundation of true professionalism. Once we begin viewing our differences as bridges that bring us together rather than walls that keep us apart, we can gain a deep respect for the unique things that we all share: our feelings, our history and our experiences. Bon Voyage!

Sue Jacques is president of Influence Etiquette.