TOPICS: The Business Dinner | 3 Ethical Obstacles in Communication

Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter, for passing it on and for sharing your comments with me. Please continue to send me your dilemmas and topics; you may see it in my next newsletter (anonymously of course). Happy 2025!

THE BUSINESS DINNER

The main purpose of a business meal is to establish trust and build a relationship.

• Job interview meal: It’s not about the dish. The focus for the applicant is on responding aptly.
• A date: A different vibe. You can linger, share a dish, and be sure not to gross them out.

4 Considerations When Hosting a Business Dinner

1. Location: It should be convenient for the client.
2. Inquire about special preferences or needs: This may seem like an invasion of privacy–it’s how you ask. “Are there any special considerations I should be mindful of, such as allergies?”
3. Establish a start and end time: This will diminish idle chit-chat. Don’t be the one to extend it; be respectful of the client’s time.
4. Arrive early: Meet your server to go over any special details and to arrange payment.

Returning-to-Work Workshops: Give those reluctant employees reasons to return. For example, leave an hour early day or tea-tasting Tuesdays. Or, professional development courses, specifically a refresher workshop on communication standards, attire & hygiene, social cues, and managing their moods. Remember, that they are coming from an environment where they dictated how they dressed, showered, ate, and communicated. Contact me to discuss how we can work together. 

3 ETHICAL OBSTACLES IN COMMUNICATION

Do ethics vary from one person to another? Or do some of us rationalize or justify blurring the lines of ethics?
Personally, I find it much easier to address conflict and awkward conversations through the lens of my personal code of ethics.

3 Codes of Ethics That Hinder Resolution:

1. Blaming someone for my failure. “My coworker didn’t tell me you wanted it that soon.” = Why didn’t you clarify the deadline?
2. Lying to justify failure: “I left a message; must have called the wrong number.”  = Why didn’t you follow-up?
3. Pretending that it’s all okay: It takes so much energy to avoid the person, the situation, and changing the subject when the problem arises. = Own it, apologize if necessary, and make it right.

Related Links:

• “8 Reasons You Think You Hate Your Job”  https://rosalindarandall.com/8-reasons-you-think-you-hate-your-job/
• “When Your Coworker Doesn’t Like You”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLrCk_q_XUQ

Business Dining: The more comfortable you are with dining etiquette, the more you’ll be able to focus on your pitch and making your client feel at ease.
Ethics: Holding a code of ethics doesn’t mean that you aren’t flexible. It means that you run situations through that lens, come up with an initial response and go from there. It’s kind of like making sure you have the necessary ingredients before you start preparing the dish.

The above etiquette tips are general, subject to interpretation, specific circumstances, and personal perspective. There are always more options. If your concern is ongoing and/or escalating, seek professional assistance from a trusted source.