No matter if it’s a business dinner or a colleague gathering, from a work perspective, it is a great opportunity to enhance interpersonal relationships and understanding. At the same time, the etiquette and demeanor of each participant at the dinner will also have an impact on their respective career paths.
Eating with bosses and colleagues is an occasion where etiquette matters, so mastering good table manners is essential. When you act with politeness and consideration, not only will others feel respected and the dining atmosphere more pleasant and comfortable, but it will also help you feel more confident and at ease in social situations.
“Business Insider” interviewed an etiquette expert, asking which dishes should be avoided when dining with bosses and colleagues.
She suggested that it’s best not to order dishes that are too expensive or difficult to eat, and it’s also important to limit alcohol consumption in front of colleagues.
Here are the four foods that etiquette expert Grumet Humbert recommended avoiding when dining with bosses and colleagues.
When dining in a work setting, it’s best to avoid ordering the most expensive items on the menu, including seasonal dishes, high-end dishes like steak or lobster.
She also advised that if you are unsure about the prices of specials or market-priced items, it’s best to proceed with caution.
Similarly, Humbert noted that it’s best not to order too many dishes. She recommended following the host’s lead. If the host orders only one dish, ordering multiple dishes may come across as impolite.
Whether you choose to drink alcohol or not, it’s best to prioritize your professional image.
“Drinking excessively, you won’t be able to present yourself in the best way,” Humbert told “Business Insider.”
She mentioned that drinking too much may even show a side of you in a professional setting that you don’t want to display.
Work gatherings should ideally facilitate easy conversation among colleagues while avoiding messy or cumbersome dishes.
Humbert recommended ordering dishes that you know you will enjoy and are easy to handle.
As the founder of the global e-commerce logistics company YouParcel, Onur Kutlubay is experienced in business lunches. Kutlubay suggested ordering foods that can be cut into small pieces, such as salads and sandwiches.
Robin Jay has hosted over three thousand business lunches. She advises, “Never order long noodles; you might end up not being able to fit anything in your mouth at the end.”
“And avoid ordering anything that doesn’t fit in your mouth,” she added.
In addition to the four foods mentioned by Humbert that are best avoided, there are also some dining etiquette tips to keep in mind.
During the ordering process, don’t take too long. Decide on your meal beforehand, don’t leisurely flip through the menu page by page, leaving the server waiting.
Avoid making sounds while eating, close your mouth while chewing. When drinking soup or eating seafood, refrain from making slurping noises with your mouth. Bring food to your mouth rather than bending over to eat.
Sit up straight while dining; avoid slouching against the chair back, propping your chin on your hand, shaking your leg under the table, or checking your phone frequently.