Business lunches, once a staple of corporate life, are increasingly fraught with potential pitfalls, from awkward conversations to etiquette breaches. UK motivational speaker Ms Nuttall recounts a disastrous meeting where a new contact arrived 30 minutes late, talked only about himself, insulted her qualifications, ordered the most expensive dish, and expected her to pay the entire bill.
Etiquette experts warn that the choice of restaurant is crucial. Leadership consultant Jenny Flintoft recommends a venue that is lively enough for private conversation but not so noisy that it hinders communication. She also advises avoiding messy foods like corn on the cob, spaghetti, or shellfish, which can distract from the business at hand.
The decision to drink alcohol is another minefield. British etiquette expert Jo Bryant suggests avoiding it entirely to maintain professionalism, while business coach Phil Jones advocates letting the other person take the lead, as a glass of wine can sometimes facilitate deeper discussion.
Conversational topics require careful navigation. Ms Flintoft notes that some people launch into political diatribes, questioning their judgment. Ms Nuttall recommends avoiding sex, politics, religion, and negative talk about others. Phil Jones adds that personal problems should also be off-limits.
