Advice from The Donald

So we have this Donald Trump doll at our house. It's a talking doll. You press the button on his back, and he spews Trump-isms. We've been having fun, making The Donald chime in to conversations at our house:

• "I have no choice but to tell you, you're fired."  (of course, the classic line from The Apprentice)
• "Stay focused."
• "Brand yourself and toot your own horn." (Dangerous advice with 2 males in the house!)
  
• "Try to avoid shaking hands whenever possible."

Say what?

That last one surprised me. I've always thought it was good business etiquette to shake hands. With a firm grasp, but not too firm.

I'm not an aggressive hand-shaker, and by that I mean that I do not seek out shakes, but when the situation seems appropriate, I extend a hand. And weak handshakes do make a not-so-good impression on me, so I make sure to use a decent grasp myself.

Is this why The Donald recommends avoiding the shake?

Or is it because your hands may be sweaty? clammy? cold?  Granted, we don't have control over all of the hand-shaking variables.

I mentioned to my husband that I was surprised by this tip. He isn't surprised. Hubby says that with men, hand-shaking can be a power game.

Have you ever felt that the business handshake was a game? Is this a guy thing? Do you try to avoid shaking hands?

Comments

[kristi]

You know, I don't often shake hands. Very rarely in fact. I can't remember the last time I extended my hand to someone to shake, and people don't often extend one to me. I wonder if it's a male thing?

[Raehan]

Men are always playing power games. Well not all men, but hand shakes definitely play a part in all that.

[Electric Short]

I dont really like donald and wouldnt want to shake his hand unless he was going to give me money,.....

[Malinda777]

I agree with you and disagree with the Trump on this one. I was raised in Texas, you took your hat off, and shook hands firmly with anyone you greeted if you intended to be considered of character and be taken seriously.

I still shake hands and say yes ma'mm and yes sir to everyone I meet. "My Mama beat that one into me at an early age :)"

[Kat]

Maybe it's in case you don't have a good handshake. Although in that case one would think he'd advise seeking counsel on one's handshake rather than avoiding the custom altogether.

[Sarcasmom]

I actually offer my hand, especially to an older man, as they are sometimes unsure how to respond when introduced to a woman in a business setting, Not thatbthere are a lot of men left "older" than I am.

[Marie]

Kristi,
It doesn't happen a lot in our more casual work places. I imagine the movers & shakers (ha!) do a bit more at the big corps... Or not, according to Trump.

Raehan,
See how clueless I am?

ES,
What's not to like? ;-)

[Marie]

Malinda,
I guess The Donald wasn't raised in the South, huh?

Kat,
Yeah, that's what I don't get!

Sarcasmom,
Ha ha ha... I bet the older men love a chance to shake hands with you!