Accountants, to kiss or not to kiss? That is the question.
Have you noticed how suddenly everyone's kissing? I'm not talking continental kissing, pecking one cheek, and then the other. I mean a bit of a hug then a kiss on the cheek or the side of the face at least. And it's not just extended family and very close friends here. Though certainly they're at it too. No, I mean kissing in a business context.
Seems to me the rule is, if you have ever met the person before even just once, then you greet them with a kiss. Male-female kiss, yes. Female-male kiss, sure. Female–female absolutely. Male-male, actually I'm not sure. Maybe readers can enlighten me.
Everyone's doing it. Bank manager and customer. Boss and employee. Next door neighbors. Client and accountant. Any old colleague. They're all welcoming each other with a little muffle and a scuffle around the cheek and lip area. Granted, not a full smackaroony, I'm talking fuzzy, huggy, apologetic, crushing of cheeks, lips, or anything else around the upper head region.
Where has this come from? It's stolen upon us insidiously. What was once an occasional phenomenon 18 months ago when I was still with Ernst & Young, is now rife throughout the world, business and otherwise.
What's your take on this? Mine is a bit of awkwardness. If I don't do it first then I get treated to a muffled hug - like I've forgotten. Or when the other party is more inhibited, I find we are looking at each other with inadequately covered discomfort, knowing what we should do but not quite mustering up. And the uneasiness sits with you throughout the meeting, like a thinly veiled sensation of indigestion.
Well, I'm having no more of it. From now on I'm sticking to the rules – as I have perceived them. From this day on, whoever you are, if you know me, expect a kiss. The only exception being those I am meeting for the first time. But that's your only ever opt out, next time you'll get one, just like everyone else. Brace yourself.
www.theaccountantscoach.com says XXXXXX.
- 4884 reads
- login or register to post comments
- Send to a friend
- Add to a social bookmarking site
Haven't Experienced This?
Crazy trend...I honestly have not seen or experienced this as of late. Sure...on a one-off basis but not more than that. I think you'd have to have some type of more developed relationship to make this OK. Or maybe if you are seeing the person at a non-work casual function. Tough call...really tough to put any guidelines around as I can imagine a ton of exceptions to any "rule" I try to formulate in my head.
Robert, FloridaAccountingNation.com
HR Anyone???
I'm not familiar with the culture of "business kissing", but I would think that would raise a few eyebrows in our HR departments.
Tim M., Florida
Professionalism does not include KISSING!
I don't want any misunderstandings. Classy, cool, firm handshaking to those not related or VERY good friends is perfect. Maybe a pat on the back while handshaking but usually my left hand has briefcase or documents in it so no need to back-pat.
Where is your circle of business that you are being kissed regularly?
Hugging and Kissing
I have no idea where or why this would have started it, but, no thank you. A nice firm handshake is the only way I plan on greeting someone professionally.
Good southern manners does not include kissing.
Hugging and kissing should be limited to relatives and long-time close friends.Roger M, CPA, Alabama
Kissing spreads germs!!
Kissing yuck!! I am old-school. Unless a client or associate is a relative or VERY close friend, I'll take a handshake instead of a kiss.