No Bull Business Blog

6 don’ts of business dining

Excerpted from the Executive Report: Business Etiquette: 95 Dos and Don’ts for Managers and Executives

While a lot of business is conducted over lunch and dinner, it’s also a place you can lose business. Here are six things you shouldn’t do:

1. Don’t talk about diets. No one likes to hear a lecture about food at the table. If you’re on a diet, keep it to yourself and just say, “No thank you,” when offered something you’ve decided not to eat. Never ask other diners why they aren’t eating a particular food.
2. Don’t drink to excess, if at all. Mixing booze and business is tricky. Err on the side of caution. If you decide not to drink alcohol at business meals, don’t make a big show of your abstinence.
3. Don’t flaunt picking up the check. If you invite a business associate to share a meal, you’re responsible for paying the tab. Don’t flaunt your generosity.
4. Don’t use your cell phone. Never answer your phone at the table, unless you’re a physician whose calls are a matter of life and death. It’s also extraordinarily rude to text, instant message or consult email while dining. Only 14-year-olds fail to realize this, and nobody wants to eat with them either.
5. Don’t eat or order food until your guest arrives. If you arrive at the restaurant before your dining companion, don’t order any food or drink until the entire party has arrived. You should look as if you just got there when they show up.
6. Don’t complain. If the food is lousy, you can’t fix it. Just keep quiet about it and vow (silently) never to return.

DIGGING DEEPER
Not always sure what’s proper in business? You definitely aren’t alone. It can be like navigating a minefield. One mistake and you’ve made an idiot of yourself. Need help? Read the Executive Report: Business Etiquette: 95 Dos and Don’ts for Managers and Executives

As a leader, how transparent are you?

Excerpted from the Executive Report: Taking Leadership to the Next Level

Are you a transparent leader or nontranparent leader? Here are a list of differences, says Al Johnson, president of Inspiratude Coaching Solutions:

• Transparent leaders say what's on their minds. Nontransparent leaders say what others want to hear.
• Transparent leaders are consistent in their actions and reactions. Nontransparent leaders aren't.
• Transparent leaders are honest and admit when they need help. Nontransparent leaders attempt to cover up flaws or the need for help.
• Transparent leaders support bold claims with bold action. Nontransparent leaders say one thing and then turn around and do another.
• Transparent leaders are honest and openly communicate. Nontransparent leaders are duplicitous and withhold information that should be shared.

 Becoming a transparent leader isn't easy, and sometimes there are forces within an organization that work against transparency. But good leaders work to break down those barriers.

DIGGER DEEPER
As a leader, does your staff trust and respect you? Do you stand out from the crowd? You can. Read the Executive Report: Taking Leadership to the Next Level