Dance Slow...

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done!
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"

You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

French Society, Culture and Business Etiquette

General Etiquette & Protocol Guidelines

Meeting Etiquette

• The handshake is a common form of greeting.
• Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek.
• First names are reserved for family and close friends. Wait until invited before using someone's first name.
• You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving.
• If you live in an apartment building, it is polite to greet your neighbours with the same appellation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Flowers should be given in odd numbers but not 13, which is considered unlucky.
• Some older French retain old-style prohibitions against receiving certain flowers: White lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals; red carnations as they symbolize bad will; any white flowers as they are used at weddings.
• Prohibitions about flowers are not generally followed by the young. When in doubt, it is always best to err on the side of conservatism.
• If you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford. The French appreciate their wines.
• Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a French house for dinner:
• Arrive on time. Under no circumstances should you arrive more than 10 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained.
• The further south you go in the country, the more flexible time is.
• If invited to a large dinner party, especially in Paris, send flowers the morning of the occasion so that they may be displayed that evening.
• Dress well. The French are fashion conscious and their version of casual is not as relaxed as in many western countries.

Table manners:

• Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• If there is a seating plan, you may be directed to a particular seat. • Do not begin eating until the hostess says 'bon appetit'.
• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork on your plate with the fork over the knife.
• Do not rest your elbows on the table, although your hands should be visible and not in your lap. • Finish everything on your plate.
• Do not cut salad with a knife and fork. Fold the lettuce on to your fork. • Peel and slice fruit before eating it.
• Leave your wineglass nearly full if you do not want more.

Business Etiquette Basics

Relationships & Communication

• French business behaviour emphasizes courtesy and a degree of formality.
• Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done.
• Trust is earned through proper behaviour.
• Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important.
• If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship.
• It is always a good idea to learn a few key phrases, since it demonstrates an interest in a long-term relationship.
• The way a French person communicates is often predicated by their social status, education level, and which part of the country they were raised.
• In business, the French often appear extremely direct because they are not afraid of asking probing questions.
• Written communication is formal. Secretaries often schedule meetings and may be used to relay information from your French business colleagues.

Business Meetings Etiquette

• Appointments are necessary and should be made at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Appointments may be made in writing or by telephone and, depending upon the level of the person you are meeting, are often handled by the secretary.
• Do not try to schedule meetings during July or August, as this is a common vacation period.
• If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation.
• Meetings are to discuss issues, not to make decisions.
• Avoid exaggerated claims, as the French do not appreciate hyperbole.

Business Negotiation

• French business emphasizes courtesy and a fair degree of formality.
• Wait to be told where to sit.
• Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
• Business is conducted slowly. You will have to be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol.
• Avoid confrontational behaviour or high-pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
• The French will carefully analyze every detail of a proposal, regardless of how minute. • Business is hierarchical. Decisions are generally made at the top of the company.
• The French are often impressed with good debating skills that demonstrate an intellectual grasp of the situation and all the ramifications.
• Never attempt to be overly friendly. The French generally compartmentalize their business and personal lives.
• Discussions may be heated and intense.
• High-pressure sales tactics should be avoided. The French are more receptive to a low-key, logical presentation that explains the advantages of a proposal in full.
• When an agreement is reached, the French may insist it be formalized in an extremely comprehensive, precisely worded contract.

Dress Etiquette

• Business dress is understated and stylish.
• Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business.
• Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours.
• The French like the finer things in life, so wear good quality accessories.

Business Cards

• Business cards are exchanged after the initial introductions without formal ritual.
• Have the other side of your business card translated into French. Although not a business necessity, it demonstrates an attention to detail that will be appreciated.
• Include any advanced academic degrees on your business card.
• French business cards are often a bit larger than in many other countries.

Business Culture and Etiquette

Business with international clients requires more than just technical acumen. Etiquette, manners, and cross cultural, or intercultural communication have become critical elements required for all International and Global Business executives, managers, and employees. As international, multinational, transnational, multi domestic, and global business continues to expand and bring people closer, the most important element of successful business outcomes may be the appreciation and respect for regional, country, and cultural differences - known as cultural diversity.

In a series of articles, I'll explore the basics of cross cultural etiquette and write about greeting styles, art of formal gift giving, raising a toast, dining table etiquette and more....keep reading...