A handshake is the single most important aspect of an introduction. This cupping of palms can make or break you. “Be assertive, but don’t be too strong” “Keep the wrist locked but don’t be too stiff”. There are so many rules for such a basic action. To judge someone by their handshake is just as asinine as judging that person by their shoe size. “I’m sorry sir we cannot hire you because you wear a 13 2E” doesn’t that just sound dumb? How is that any different from the conversation in the board room after an interview “his handshake was rather weak, this proves to me he is a timid and weak individual and will not fit in with our company.”? It’s time for a change.
What would be the next logical choice for an introductory gesture? A high five, too iffy too many people miss. Respect knuckles? Nope, too firm gonna break your hand. A jumping chest bump, personally this or a jumping shoulder bump would my pick. Imagine a business meeting getting started with Europe’s “Final Countdown” playing over the speaker phone and you coming run in the office being announced as the best financial analyst this side of the Mississippi, and running down the end of the line give a little jump turn and perfectly connect with your boss mid air. This does have its downfalls though. Unfortunately some roided up jackass might get a bit too ambitious and want to play the juggernaut. So if the shoulder bump is out what is there left?
One thing is for sure I am not going back to the handshake. There is no need to “learn” how to shake hands, you shake how you shake. You do you. Pinky touch? That could work. Upon introduction simply make pinky finger to pinky finger contact. I’m not sure if this is even possible to screw up. From here on out I am officially calling an end to the handshake dictatorship and introduce the wave of the future, the pinky touch!!
If I see you on the streets, get that little guy on the end of your hand ready....cuz I'm gonna touch it! FTW
I think you are way off. The hand shake has helped shape America and has led to the great country we are today. How about a secret hand shake if you are truly against the traditional one.
ReplyDeleteSorry Brendan, the Josh's are gonna tag-team you on this one. How can you have a secret handshake if you do away with the normal shake?
ReplyDeletea secret handshake is not a traditional greeting, so actually you guys are doing away with the "traditional" handshake
ReplyDeleteHandshakes definitely say a lot about you... to a certain extent. I think that it IS important, however, for an first greeting.
ReplyDeleteFor example (same concept different action):
When ever I see my cousins, Nikola and Lisa, they give these weak and leaned forward hugs. I think this poses and situation that makes the hug partaker (me)feel awkward.
I think its the same for a handshake.
And so here is my rule:
Don't make the person your shaking hands with feel awkward. Period.
I also will have to disagree with you. I have in the past right or wrong formed first impressions of people by their handshakes. If someone gives me a weak handshake I am less inclined to give them as much attention as I normally would. On the other hand I have had people that I felt were crushing my hand and held on too long. This caused me to be slightly intimidated or put off by them and I was less inclined to go to them with questions or to ask them for help later.
ReplyDelete