Mind your corporate Ps and Qs

Mind your corporate Ps and Qs

 

With businesses now a global affair, it's important to brush up your social skills, says TOI...

It's been years but Ramesh Balasubramanian, a manager at a financial services firm, still shudders at the thought of gifting an expensive bottle of New Zealand wine to his counterpart in Dubai. "I didn't know that gifting alcohol to a person from the Middle East is considered an insult."

Today, a wiser Bala says, "We work in a global business environment and companies should realise the potential of good corporate manners. It's important to have a social skills expert to train people just the way motivational speakers prepare them emotionally." Using the right fork or keeping your elbows off the table, is that all about good corporate manners? Says trainer Pria Warrick, "Most people will assume that anyone with a degree sails through life. Statistics reveal that you require 15 per cent technical skills and 85 per cent social, business and dining etiquette to advance in your career."

Realising the importance of corporate protocol, several MNCs and homegrown companies hold workshops to train their managers or an entire team before they leave for trips to their foreign offices. "It's essential in the transition from middle management to top management," says Jitendra Jain, CFO-Treasury, GMR Group. Warrick, who works with companies like Bharti, Canon, Citibank, Indian Oil, Druk Air, Franklin Templeton Investments, and others. he adds, "Indians are technically sound but when it comes to social graces, we lag behind the rest of the world."
As a corporate team reflects the company's image, there is a need to understand the customs, practices and habits of your host country. A study says that 38 per cent of the impression you make comes from the tone, pace and nuances. For example, the acceptable handshake in the business world calls for extending the right hand. Because some cultures are offended by the use of the left hand, using the right hand ensures that you'll not offend anyone. Giving elaborate or extravagant gifts in China is a complete no-no. The Chinese may perceive it as a bribe! In China, just like in India, wrapping a gift with white paper may be considered inauspicious as the colour is associated with death.

The corporate dinner or cocktail party has been the downfall of many careers. Maitrayee B Penubolu, a former manager with American Express Global Services Centre, Gurgaon, says, "Go to a party with the goal of meeting new people. Never overindulge in food or drink. Getting tipsy is the quickest way to kill your career!" She adds, "Also, Indians are bad at shaking hands. They either grab your hand or touch the fingertips, especially if it's a woman." Etiquette for women in the boardroom is, literally, a world apart from what is acceptable for men. Brightly coloured business attire for women is accepted in Latin American countries, but in the rest of the world, neutral-colours are preferred. Says etiquette trainer Shery Scott in the book Executive Etiquette Power, "The downside of a lopsided gender representation is that women, who are more likely to excel in soft sills, are often expected to become somewhat masculine in their physical appearance, attire and mannerisms." She adds, "Businessmen may act very 'forward' if you don't observe the dressing customs that local businesswomen adhere to." Says politician Vani Tripathi, "Cleavage is an absolute no-no. Keep make-up to a bare minimum. Given a choice, most managers prefer a sari for official dos abroad." In the case of men, exhibiting soft skills is often unfairly construed as being less competent in technical skills. A handwritten note may be viewed as too personal.

Social practices can get quirky at times. In China and Japan, the hosts consider it their duty to get guests intoxicated. But a woman who can't control herself will never be respected. In Asia, it is acceptable to ask about your host's wife or children, but in the US, you never ask about someone's wife! So, next time you think you can toss someone's business card into your bag, think again. It can cost you the plush corner office!