When A Handshake is Appropriate and When Not

Attitude

The first and foremost aspect of etiquette is developing a positive attitude. Attitude is an intangible but pervasive trait of your personality. It influences the way you relate with people, the way you communicate and behave with others and the way you approach your profession and your career. Your attitude and your professional image help form the first impression others have of you. On a micro level, your attitude pervades your actions, and influences everything you do.

In order to succeed in your life, you must try to develop a positive attitude at all times. A Positive attitude will help you to enjoy and appreciate the gift of life, to approach your profession with energy and enthusiasm, and will inspire you to be considerate and respectful to others.

Handshake

The handshake, the first gesture of reaching out to people, speaks loudly about your attitude, professionalism, credibility, and confidence. The handshake is an important contact or physical link between two people. A limp handshake might make you appear weak or hesitant. An overpowering handshake can stamp you as a manipulator or over dominant. A firm handshake conveys confidence, assurance, interest, and respect. The best handshake is sincere and firm with a confident smile and good eye contact.

When a handshake is appropriate

A handshake is almost always appropriate. Shaking hands is especially appropriate when - 

• Renewing an acquaintance
• Acknowledging someone who enters your office, cubicle, or home
• Getting a client, new coworker, host, or others you know or are meeting for the first time
• Meeting someone you already know outside work or home
• Leaving a business or social event

When a handshake is not appropriate

• You should avoid shaking hands when other person has his or her hands full, and putting everything down to shake your hand would be a big inconvenience
• Another exception may be when the person you want to greet is someone much higher ranked than you and to whom you really have nothing to say. In this case, rushing up to shake his hand and introduce yourself would appear pushy. In such cases, a handshake may be initiated by the higher ranked person.

• Consider the other person's religious and ethnic background before you attempt to shake hands, especially in a foreign country. Muslim women may not choose to shake hands, and in such cases, a verbal greeting is sufficient. You should, of course, shake hands if the handshake is initiated by them.
• As a general rule, there is no gender distinction when using your handshake except in specific situations where the other person's religious or ethnic background may be a consideration. Be observant and follow the clues of those around you. The conservative approach is usually safest.