Ethics

"You can not hand with a clenched fist."

– Indira Gandhi

The most significant gesture in business and in life is a handshake. In many cultures is the implicit message that accompanies our words. A handshake often takes place when you meet someone new, if you have someone who has not seen for a while ', perfect when you leave a party or meeting, when we congratulate you, or if you are on a contract of employment or Agreement "greeting.

Historians agree that theWas probably Handshake one hundred years ago in England, developed as a way of saying that you were empty-handed and unarmed during a meeting. Weapons were often concealed in the left sleeve so shaking with your left hand. As more people were without weapons has become customary to go shake with your right hand. Certain historical figures took liberty with shaking hands and created their own. George Washington decided that it was the hand of common peopleso he bowed when greeting people in public.

The intent in shaking hands is to make contact “web-to-web” with the other person’s hand. The web of your hand is that part between your thumb and forefinger. Extend your hand with your fingers together, in a vertical position, with the thumb up and slightly to the side. Once you make contact with the web of the other person’s hand, close your thumb over the back of the hand and give a slight squeeze with your fingertips. Here’s where so many People go wrong. Some move in to kill him and give a crushing handshake that brings tears to the eyes of another person. Then there are those who stop at the first sign of contact and do not add the little squeeze that indicates there is life and energy in the body. The result is the "vile" or "limp" handshake, sometimes referred to as "dead fish" means.

Every country has its customs for meeting and greeting. Most cultures encourage handshaking more oftenUnited States. As always, you should do your research on meeting and greeting, before starting a trip abroad. If you're a woman, this is of fundamental importance, since certain cultures do not allow women, a man not related to contact with them.

Here are some of the most common handshaking rituals around the world:

* In Japan it is normal that often shake hands. Sometimes a bow is included or is replaced.

* In Europe you shake hands when you get to know someone, even ifKnow them well.

* Russians tend to shake hands frequently but never while wearing gloves.

* A strong handshake and good grip are appreciated in South Africa a lot.

* A firm handshake pumping normal for the Chinese.

* Men in Arabian cultures encourage a long handshake and soft, with a specific verbal greeting.

* People in Panama greet each other with eye contact combined with shaking hands.

* The French have always hand on the economyMeetings, but all other greetings involve kissing the cheeks.

* In Kuwait, shaking hands is only for male strangers who met for the first time. Shaking hands with a female alien is not appropriate.

* Residents of India and Pakistan shook hands to grab his hand with both hands and hold her hand briefly.

It is considered impolite to refuse to shake hands, but be ready if you are someone who says "No" to adopt, handshakes because of arthritis,common problems or a communicable disease like a cold. The person who is unable to shake hands should always offer an apology and a brief explanation so that the other person does not feel avoided.

Occasionally you come across someone who does not respond in any way with an outstretched hand. If this happens, simply withdraw your hand and ignore the dissipation. It is the problem of the person, not yours.

Knowing when and how the hand must be given an important skill in business ifwork in the office or when you are away, 5000 miles away in a meeting. Always give the impression that those who are polite and save through the cultivation of a society, but not crushing, grip and always offer a hand when needed.

(c) 2007, Lydia Ramsey, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprint rights granted provided the article and the publication on-line connections are intact and are made with all.