Get the Polish of a Business Leader

By Sarah Clark
Career Colleges Columnist

CEOs and other business leaders are scrutinized by colleagues and subordinates. Their posture is noted, along with their table manners and manner of speech. Knowing how to gracefully navigate a variety of social and professional situations is as key to a CEO's success as keen business instincts. Business school is incredibly important for garnering the know-how you need to do well in this cut-throat industry, and lesson number one should be in social grace.

A greater number of corporate leaders are looking to executive management consulting firms to help them not with business strategy, but with handling social situations faced on the job, reports the New York Times.

A company's top management is perhaps too often on display, giving high profile presentations, attending formal business luncheons, and handling spontaneous encounters with business associates of all stripes. It's common knowledge that your manners can make or break your career. So, business guru of the future, what can you do to improve them? Here are some tips on how to gracefully navigate treacherous social waters with all your pleases and thank yous intact

A Lesson in Business Etiquette

Many business schools offer courses in some of the finer points of dealing gracefully in the many professional contexts you'll undoubtedly stumble into. Such courses should offer instruction on table manners, where you'll learn how to be sure you're drinking from your glass of water and not your neighbor's, and how to prevent making other embarrassing faux pas.

Business protocol classes may also introduce you to business customs of other cultures. In parts of Asia, for example, it's customary to extend and accept a business card with both hands. Likewise, you'll learn how to handle a long business lunch hosted by French colleagues, one that may very well extend several hours over many courses and bottles of wine.

Of Manners and Management

Some companies hire business management consultants to periodically train those recently appointed to executive leadership. You can also hire image management professionals on your own, though it can be pricey.

Finally, there are lots of books on the market designed to introduce readers to the most charming, sophisticated mannerisms. But remember to retain your personality -- you don't want to lose your authenticity. Give yourself a bit of time to soften the edges and you'll be ready to conduct your business affairs with greater confidence and finesse!

Source
The New York Times

About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer specializing in career development and postsecondary education.

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