Communication

Greetings/salutations

When you meet someone for the first time, use a title such as Dr. Ms., Miss. Mrs., or Mr. and their last name until you are told to do otherwise. Executives in the U.S. are well known for telling acquaintances to use their first names almost immediately. This should not be interpreted as a request for intimacy, but rather as a cultural norm. Even people in positions of great authority cultivate a down-to-earth, accessible image. Be sure your U.S. acquaintances know what you wish to be called. When someone asks how you are, they are not inquiring about your health, rather they are using it as a greeting. The best response is a short one, such as "Fine, thanks. How are you?"

Personal space

The standard space between you and your conversation partner should be about two feet. Most Americans will be uncomfortable standing closer than that and it may have a negative effect on communications

Shaking hands

Handshakes should be strong and firm. Weak handshakes are taken as a sign of weakness. Men usually wait for women to offer their hands before shaking, but handshakes between sexes are acceptable. A man should shake a woman's hand the same way he would another man's.

Eye contact

Is expected and shows sincerity.

Touching

In general touching is discouraged. Friends of the same sex do not hold hands. If men or women of the same sex hold hands, it will probably be interpreted as a sign of sexual preference.

The preferred means of communication is any of the items mentioned; phone call, email, a face-to-face conversation. It is dependent on the situation.

Small talk

It is acceptable to make small talk at the beginning/ending of a meeting/conversation/over lunch. Accepted topics of conversation include a person's job, travel, foods (and dieting), exercise, weekend plans, sports (baseball, football, basketball & golf are among the most popular), music, movies, and books. U.S. Executives begin talking about business after a brief exchange of small talk, whether in the office, at a restaurant, or even at home. Avoid controversial subject matters (race, politics, religion etc.)

Humour

Is appropriate at the beginning of a meeting/beginning of a conversation/over lunch, etc. Avoid humour that is offensive.

Appearance

Hours of work

This varies upon the position and the individual. This should be coordinated with their manager. Non-exempt employees may have standard hours and are expected to be to work on time. Before smoking, ask if anyone minds, or wait to see if others smoke. Smoking is increasingly prohibited in public places: in airplanes, in office buildings, even in stadiums. Large restaurants usually have a section where smoking is permitted. Many hotels designate rooms as smoking and non-smoking. Lunch varies from person to person. When dining out, it is expected that the senior member pays for the food if it is for a business purposes. Minor alcohol consumption with the meal is acceptable if it is after business hours.

Dress code

The standard dress is business casual or business attire as the situation dictates. Check with local HR Professional for office policy.

Behavioural

When it comes to difficult conversations and conflict

People generally deal with the conflict in a professional manner. Difficult conversations are dependant on the situation and can be either scheduled or spontaneous. People prefer difficult conversations to be direct and constructive.

When it comes to praise/recognition

The person needs to know their audience. It is a personal preference as to whether or not someone likes public praise and acknowledgments. Recognition can come in the form of compliments/thank yous/token gifts/time off. Both Individual and team praise/recognition is appreciated. The giving of gifts is accepted if you follow the companies' code of conduct and ethics policies.

When it comes to performance management People prefer direct feedback which can be either in writing or spoken. On going

performance discussions can be either formal or informal dependent on the situation. Annually there is a formal performance review process that needs to be completed for each employee. It should be an ongoing process to create better lines of communication and expectations.

Meeting Etiquette

Meeting etiquette Meetings are started and chaired by the meeting organizer. Decisions are made depending on the topic discussed. Debate/questioning is seen as acceptable/desirable.

Meetings generally start and end on time. Lateness is a not a sign of disrespect and does occur occasionally. This should not be the protocol. If someone is late arriving, it is usually acceptable to begin without them and latecomers should step in quietly. Breakfast and lunch meetings are both common.

Seating arrangements around the meeting table are not important.