Did you know that one of the first things they teach new
recruits in the Army is how to salute properly? The first day I was in uniform, before they taught me how
to march or shoot they taught me the proper way to address an officer. What is it about leaders in
business, politics and even celebrities that they don’t even know how to greet
people?
The latest high profile offense was Bill Gates meeting the President Park
of South Korea. Slouched, with one
hand in his pocket, the computer genius didn’t know how to show common courtesy
or respect to the leader of his host country. I guess if you’re one of the richest people in the world you
feel like that humility is not what you display publicly but how much you give
to charity your own charities.
President Obama could use a few lesson on greetings as
well. Bowing is a sign of respect
in Asian cultures, but bowing so low that you might skin your forehead is a bit
much and inappropriate.
Teaching a business class in Russia several years back, I
was illustrating the proper way to greet in Korea, right hand extended, left
hand lightly touching your right arm.
In almost unison the class gasped, some yelling “no, no.” Surprised I asked what was wrong at
which time they told me I just made an obscene gesture. Even a teacher in cross-cultural
communication makes mistakes.
My definition of culture is, “The rules by which the game of
life is played.” Learn the rules
and you can play the game…on their terms.
If a poor guy like me can make time to learn the rules on how to greet
people, the rich and famous surely can hire someone to help them learn the
rules before they stand on the world stage.
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