ETIQUETTE Q&A

Here are a few more questions we posed to Ms. Quek.

Who makes the first move in offering a business card? “Usually you wait to receive business card from someone whom you consider as VIP or more important than you are,” she says. “If you have been in contact with a client over the phone and decide to meet him/her for the first time, be the first to present the card so that it also helps verifies your identity and company you are from.” You can also do it at networking sessions and if you are prospecting a potential client.

How important is it to cover your nose when you sneeze or cough? “Very important as it shows lack of civility and manners to cough with mouth open and lacks proper hygiene.” And if the person next to you in the restaurant sneezes and doesn’t apologise afterwards? “Nothing very much you could do except to probably move to another seat. Offering her a piece of tissue could also help since she may not have one on hand.”

When is it appropriate to invite your boss to lunch? “Meeting a veSry important client where you would need your boss to be around because he has to make a key decision,” says Quek. “If you just had a promotion, invite him along with other colleagues.

”What’s the best thing to do after yawning? It’s never polite to yawn– but it seems to be something we can’t control. What’s the best thing do to after you find yourself yawning in front of a colleague or boss? “Quickly cover your mouth and excuse yourself. Never pretend it never happened,” advises Ms. Quek.