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Starting new job on Monday, shaking hands?

post #1 of 22
8/17/07 at 7:39am
Thread Starter 
Hi

I start a new job on Monday and would like some advice on rules of thumb for shaking hands of new colleagues, particularly the female variety. Do I offer a handshake to all my new female colleagues as I am being introduced around the office?

thanks!
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post #2 of 22
8/17/07 at 8:38am
Brit expat in the US?
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post #3 of 22
8/17/07 at 9:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britexpat View Post
Do I offer a handshake to all my new female colleagues as I am being introduced around the office?
When introduced to people, men and women alike, I think a handshake is the appropriate thing to do. Firm - but not overly so - 2-3 pumps, done.
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post #4 of 22
8/17/07 at 9:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britexpat View Post
Hi

I start a new job on Monday and would like some advice on rules of thumb for shaking hands of new colleagues, particularly the female variety. Do I offer a handshake to all my new female colleagues as I am being introduced around the office?

thanks!

Yes. I meet a rather large amount of people in any given week. Handshakes for everyone.
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post #5 of 22
8/17/07 at 9:54am
What would you rather do when you meet the women? Hug them? Kiss their hands? Bow?
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post #6 of 22
8/17/07 at 9:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC View Post
What would you rather do when you meet the women? Hug them? Kiss their hands? Bow?

In social settings outside of work, I tend to kiss their feet. Maybe that's just me.
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post #7 of 22
8/17/07 at 10:15am
I lick their ears, I always get compliments on my manners.

Britexpat, since you dont know: Depending on how you're introduced and the formality of your office shake everyone's hands if you're formally introduced to them. If the person showing you around just points at someone and says, "that's Jay" just nod and say "hello" if you're not in shaking distance. For women and men alike give firm but not crushing handshake. Nothing is more annoying (pathetic?) than a weak handshake or an overly strong one.
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post #8 of 22
8/17/07 at 10:24am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC View Post
What would you rather do when you meet the women? Hug them? Kiss their hands? Bow?

You're not supposed to try to shake a woman's hand, you're supposed to wait till she offers it. These days that's out of the window.
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post #9 of 22
8/17/07 at 10:55am
britexpat, where are you located? Ie, in the states some women in corporate america would be offended that you didn't shake a hand and treat them like their male collegues whereas in europe it would be see as an insult on their feminity to shake a hand, they might expect a double kiss (even some of the guys might depeding on where you are). If you're over in asia, you may be expected to avoid unnecisary physical contact alltogether and what us americans think is normal touching they might see as overly rough.
(Yes I realize I'm making sweeping generalizations do don't send a lynch mob after me)
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post #10 of 22
8/17/07 at 12:18pm
Thread Starter 
I am in Montreal

thanks for all the replies so far!
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post #11 of 22
8/17/07 at 12:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Britexpat View Post
I am in Montreal

thanks for all the replies so far!

French-speaking, English-speaking, or mixed?
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post #12 of 22
8/17/07 at 12:38pm
I think shaking hands with women is just silly. A good pat on the rump (two or three taps in quick succession) is much more fitting, IMO.
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post #13 of 22
8/17/07 at 1:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo View Post
I think shaking hands with women is just silly. A good pat on the rump (two or three taps in quick succession) is much more fitting, IMO.

+1. An acceptable alternative is a firm yet respectful motorboating of the sweater cows.
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post #14 of 22
8/17/07 at 1:03pm
I always grab their hand like I am going to give them a handshake, and then I pull their hand down to my crotch and have them rub it.
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post #15 of 22
8/17/07 at 1:16pm
A fist bump accompanied by a "What up, dog?" greeting in lieu of a handshake will show your new colleagues that you are not bound by social convention.
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