- Loud talking should be
avoided
- Staring is considered
rude
- The British like a
certain amount of personal space. Do not stand too close to another person or
put your arm around someone's shoulder.
- Hugging,
kissing and touching is usually reserved for family members and very close
friends
- Dark suits, usually
black, blue, or gray, are acceptable.
- Men’s shirts should not
have pockets. Avoid wearing a stripped tie.
- Men should wear laced
shoes and not loafers.
- Women should
maintain a conservative image.
·
The British are reserved, which
may cause them to appear cool and indifferent or overly formal. In fact, they
are very friendly and helpful to foreigners.
·
Shake hands with everyone present
-- men, women, and children -- at business and social meetings. Shake hands
again when leaving.
·
Handshakes are light -- not firm.
·
Women should extend their hand to
men first.
·
Use last names until specifically
invited by your British hosts or colleagues to use their first names.
- Always be on time.
- Decision making is slower
than in the United States. So don’t rush them
- A simple handshake is the
standard for greeting.
- Eye contact is seldom
used in United Kingdom.
- To signal something very
important and you want it kept a secret, tap your nose.
- In business meetings,
small talk or icebreakers are not necessary.
- When socializing after
work, don’t bring up work.
- Summon a waiter by
raising your hand. Don't wave or shout.
- Don’t toast others who
are older than you.
- The host, the one who
extends the invitation, pays the bill.
- A male guest of honor is
seated at the head of the table or to the right of the hostess. A female guest
of honor is seated to the right of the host.
- When the host folds his
napkin, this signals that the meal is over.
- Write a thank you note to
the hostess.
- Leave a dinner party
shortly after dinner ends.
Source
A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com |
