While working in the corporate world, I discovered an essential fact…companies must train their employees to enhance their personal knowledge of international cultures and local protocol to avoid awkward situations. Since many business interactions happen during a mealtime, business dining etiquette is an important part of a comprehensive training plan. In today’s blog post, I will define business etiquette and offer some dining etiquette tips. I’ll also explain how my etiquette classes for adults can help corporations and individuals learn skills for success in the workplace.
What is Business Etiquette?
To have good Business Etiquette, you must master the ability to control your emotions and build your competence levels so that you will become a respected employee by all. In addition, you will want to learn how to earn credibility with co-workers while understanding the elements of your own profession. Business etiquette enables one to improve morale and confidence among colleagues and other employees to assure greater productivity for his or her employer. Understanding your value at a company is determined by what you are able to produce and then how your production affects your firm, employer or potential clients.
Workplace etiquette training can help you master the finesse of using your business card as a strategic tool when networking and meeting potential clients, business partners and employers. Presentation (such as dress codes and posture) must be taught and can work as a major tool in helping you to connect with others. As part of an etiquette training, you would learn the three C’s – Competence, Credibility (Reputation) and Compassion.
Business Etiquette in Fine Dining
In addition to the above, employees must master the art of impeccable fine dining etiquette and table manners in both social and business settings. It is important for employees to enhance their understanding of Western-style settings (both formal and informal), as well as the use of the napkin, techniques for properly gripping cutlery and the placement of glasses.
By taking time to learn dining essentials, you will increase your awareness of “do and do not” actions at the table and decrease potentially embarrassing situations. This will help you to leave a positive lasting impression…which helps your employer.
Refine your Manners and Dining Etiquette
When dining at a business luncheon or dinner, take these reminders to heart in order to help improve your table manners.
- Be sure to maintain eye contact with all at your table.
- Never put too much on your plate.
- Chew with your mouth closed.
- When using your knife, make strokes with the knife pointing towards you.
- Place napkin in your lap.
- Open a paper napkin completely.
- Fold a cloth napkin.
- Never place your knife in your mouth.
- Never use toothpicks in public.
- Do not use your fork for gestures.
- Guests must never complain about the food.
- In a restaurant, all complaints should be made politely and quietly.
- Never place your purse, keys, cell phone or eyeglasses on the table.
- Never comb your hair or put on makeup at the table.
- The following are words and titles to remember…
- Maître D’
- Host
- Captain / Headwaiter
- Server
- Sommelier
- Coat Attendant
Table Manners 101
- Before you approach the table, make a point to introduce yourself to those you do not know.
- Make eye contact with someone, smile and say “Hello”!
- If you are in charge of setting the table, make sure to use place cards with names.
- Keep your napkin on the left side of the plate.
- All silverware is used from the outside in.
- White wine glasses are held by the stem and red wine glasses by the bottom (the bowl) only after you are seated.
- You must master how to hold your knife and fork.
What To Do at the Table
- Remove your hat.
- Pick up your napkin. If it is cloth, fold it and, if not, completely unfold it.
- Always look the waiter in the eye.
- Pass the salt and pepper together.
The Proper Way to Eat or Drink…
- Asparagus – Cut into bite-sized portions and eat with a fork.
- Bacon – Eat with a knife and fork unless it is very crispy.
- Berries – Eat with a spoon.
- Bread and Butter – Pinch your bread to eat it. This is the number one instruction I teach at the dining table!
- Celery, Pickles and Olives – Eat with your hands.
- Chicken and Pork Chops – Eat with a knife and fork.
- Pasta – To eat spaghetti, use a fork and separate a few strands. If you are in America, a spoon is acceptable. If you are in Italy, use only a fork.
- Water – Do not leave a lipstick print on your water glass for your guests to have to look at while they are eating dinner.
- Watermelon – Eat with a fork unless it has been cubed. Use a fork and knife when watermelon is served with the rind attached.
The Art of the Business Meal
The business meal is not only for food, but is also designed to help you get to know a client better or attain new business. At a business dinner, the main thing is the agenda. There is always protocol to be observed by the guest and the host.
Host Duties
A host must control the event in order to attain goals. As a host, it is your duty to handle all details, from sending the invitation and making reservations to handling the tip. Know your restaurant so you can maintain control of your business event.
Make reservations in your name and in the name of your company. Select your table ahead of time. I always tell my clients to go inside the restaurant ahead of time if possible. Make connections with the restaurant staff and your event will run more smoothly. Always provide your guests with your cell phone number. Should you be late, call the restaurant and ask the Maître D’ to advise your guests that you are running late. If your guests are late, wait 15 minutes before you began. Before closing your business meal, encourage guests to talk or perhaps have dessert. Use the dessert time to review your discussion and decide on the appropriate action each of you should take. When coffee is served, then request a check and settle the bill quickly. All discrepancies should be handled after your guest leaves. Remember, the word “tip” comes from an old innkeeper’s sign that read, “To Insure Promptness.” You should leave 20 percent.
Exiting After a Business Meal
When your meeting is over, escort your guests to the door and take care of their coats. Shake hands, look each one in the eye and and express heartfelt gratitude.
Enhance your Corporate Team with Etiquette Classes for Adults
If you’re searching for “adult etiquette classes near me”, you’ve come to the right place. Lisa Burdette is a Dallas expert in business etiquette and social graces. She offers private etiquette classes for adults as well as group training for corporate teams. Some of her clients include the Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others.
Dining is an art that can be an enjoyable and pleasant time when all exhibit manners. Practice your manners at home everyday. One way to do this is to make special plans for you and your family to dine out together.
In addition to business dining etiquette, Lisa can also address telephone and email etiquette, conversation etiquette and how to interpret body language in social settings. She will help you learn how to dress appropriately, as your attire is an important way to show respect for the workplace and company culture you are a part of.
Ready to elevate your employees’ networking and social skills? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
