Thursday, August 11, 2011

“A man's manners are a mirror in which he shows his portrait.”
-
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


Here is a true story I would like to share with you.

I had just met with a new, high-profile organization with an internship program and met with the Internship Coordinator, Angela*, at length.  In fact, Angela and I developed a rapport so quickly that she invited Berkeley College students to attend a speaking event at her organization the following week.  Wanting to make a good impression, I RSVP’ed “Yes” and brought my best student with me, Pedro*.  Pedro was interested in their internship and this event was a perfect opportunity for a casual meeting with Angela.  Not knowing exactly what to expect at this event, both of us were nervous.  Being the Career Counselor (and the person who knew both Angela and Pedro) it was my job to introduce them.

Here is where I made my mistake.

I nervously blurted out “Angela, this is Pedro, he’s one of my students and is very interested in your internship.  Pedro, this is Angela. She runs the internship program here.”  I immediately sensed that Angela was…surprised?..irritated? by my introduction.  Brownie points to you if you know the mistake I made.  If you don’t know, you better keep reading.

Three months later, I taught Career Management Seminar with Prof. Woods.  He gave the class a quiz on business etiquette.  I took the quiz along with the class.  One of the questions was:

How should a business introduction be made?
a.       Introduce the more accomplished person to the lesser accomplished person.
b.      Introduce the lesser accomplished person to the more accomplished person.
c.       These days it’s best to let people introduce themselves.
d.      Introduce your boss first no matter who you are introducing them to.
It was immediately clear to me why Angela was put off by the introduction.  I did “A”.  I should have done “B.”  Apparently Angela knew this.  After experiencing that awkwardness, I assure you that I will never make that mistake again.

There are two lessons here.  The first lesson is how to make a proper business introduction.  The second lesson is that there is always more that can be learned about good manners and proper business etiquette.  So, read up on it.  I did.

After all, what image do you want your mirror to reflect?
*Names have been changed to protect the innocent

Written by the well-mannered Jodie Hirsch

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