Making sense of the world.
Posts tagged Career
How’s Your Handshake?
Nov 11th
A University of Alabama study indicates that a firm, assertive handshake makes for a good first impression. That may be true for the western world. What about the rest? Is it always necessary to shake hands?
A handshake is a two way street. Similarly with eye contact. Cultural issues are involved and one needs to be sensitive. In Manali, Himachal Pradesh, men are given to shaking hands with men every time they meet, specially among friends. In some tribal communities where missionaries have gone, traditional ways of greeting have been replaced by the handshake, which appears quite absurd. In countries with non-western cultural values, an aggressive handshake or direct eye contact may be unwelcome and may convey the wrong message. It may even lead to trouble.
In some cultures, if a man ‘gazes’ or offers a handshake to a young woman during a religious-public ceremony, the man will have committed a public crime and could be punished. In another setting, offering a handshake to a subordinate of a leader would be considered a ‘disgraceful’ act and would end business negotiations. In certain countries, touching a female, for whatever reason including medical, is considered an illegal sexual act and may invite extreme punishment.
“A firm handshake,” says Alabama psychologist William F. Chaplin, “may provide an effective initial form of self-promotion for women.” He adds that it does not have the costs associated with other less subtle forms of assertive self-promotion. So, a firm handshake is a safe way for women to express confidence while avoiding negative perceptions.
Are You Connected?
Oct 17th
Some studies have shown that between 65 to 80% of all new jobs are found through networking. Tom made hundreds of contacts, which helped him get a job at the helm of a start-up. He then sent almost a thousand thank you notes, with a card announcing his new assignment. His networking had paid off, and he was grateful for all those who had taken the time to advise and provide referrals.
How connected are you? If you were to suddenly lose your job, what might be the ensuing scenario?
Networking is essentially about connecting with people who are relevant to your profession and career. It is not a single event, but an ongoing process. From a marketing standpoint, it is about selling yourself to others. That takes time. You cannot just wake up one day and out of the blue dial someone and expect that person to stand up for you. If someone did that to you, how would you feel? Used and thrown, like tissue. Not nice.
They say that the scientific formula for networking is as predictable as mathematics. What you reap is in direct proportion to what you have sown. So, if you have been neglecting this activity, it’s time to change.
Here are some pointers for successful networking.