18 April 2009

When not to shake

How do you know when a handshake is the wrong greeting?

1 - When your mentor advises you to hold back and allow the client to initiate the conversation.

2 - When you observe that other people in the room are not shaking hands.

3 - When you pause before extending your hand and notice that the other person is not raising a hand.

In many settings, you have learned to be assertive and extend your hand first for a handshake. But your internship may be in a different type of setting. Do not assume that greetings will be the same!

The content on this blog is not offered as legal advice or guidance. Consult your college, advisor, or internship supervisor for help with issues surrounding internships. © 2009 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Dr. Bold is a co-author of the book Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. More about Dr. Bold can be learned at www.marybold.com

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