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Tip 1002: Come to agreement about the meaning of time. |
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What passes as punctuality and good manners in one culture may mean rigidity and disregard for human nature in another culture. Swedes demand a two o'clock meeting to begin at two o'clock. Mexicans and Greeks see no such urgency if "something comes up." |
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Tip 1003: Determine the appropriate ceremony for exchanging business cards. |
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The business card ritual merits careful attention. Westerners tend to exchange business cards at the end of a meeting, and they may make notes on each other's cards as reminders. If the card simply provides a reminder of title, phone number, or address, the receiver may simply slip it into a briefcase without looking at it in the other person's presence. In Japan, business people present their cards to each other upon first meeting. Ceremonially, the person of highest rank in a group gathering presents his or her card first; then others follow. The Japanese extend their cards with both hands so that the printing is readable to the receiver and expect the receiver to read the card carefully and nod approvingly of the title and/or company before tucking it away. Both a failure to read the card and the act of writing on the other person's card show rudeness. |
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Tip 1004: Recognize that respect may be shown in numerous ways. |
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Anglos stand up to show respect, Fiji Islanders sit down to show respect, and Japanese bow to show respect. Some people raise their faces and their eyes to show respect; others lower their faces and eyes for the same reason. Some people shake hands to show respect; others refrain from doing so to show deference and humility. In addition to the Western handshake, traditional greetings and a show of goodwill may be expressed by hugs, nose rubs, kisses, hands together in a praying position, or a nod. Americans show respect and cordiality by using first names; Germans seldom use first names in business dealings. All in the name of respect. |
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Tip 1005: Maintain or avoid eye contact depending on your relationship and status. |
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In Middle Eastern and Latin American cultures, to show respect an employee may look down or away from his boss. In Anglo cultures, employees show respect by maintaining eye contact with a boss to show interest and attention. Anglos may also use strong eye contact to show aggression or power. Avoidance of eye contact in Anglo cultures may indicate low self-esteem, |
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