Protocol,Leadership and Etiquette - Part 1

Once I attended a "KAYABUDI " course, a course on protocol,leadership and etiquette for the wives of senior army officers.
In this post I would bring you a quick round- the- world guide,especially for those who plan to go abroad or following his or her other half on a tour of duty.
If you are in India, you must be prepared to eat with your fingers,so dont embarrass your host by asking for a knife and fork.Chairs are usually provided,but dont be surprised if you 're expected to sit on the floor.
Practice sitting cross-legged before you go,and for women, learning how to tuck your legs gracefully under your skirt is an advantage.
You may be introduced to business contact or officers who greets you Indian style,putting his hands together as if in prayer and giving a brief bow.So, beware if you put out your hand and no one takes it to shake it.
Colors have different meanings too.In India white is the color death.Hindu widows wear white saris after their husbands die.So it is important to remember which colors are in vogue when you are thinking of wrapping a gift for your host or business partner.
In France,flowers are often considered a must-bring for dinner guests.But avoid chrysanthemums because they represent mourning.Don't give flowers in bunches of 13 because it is considered bad luck.Since the French are interested in aesthetics,they like gifts of art,prints,books or records.
By the way,it is considered tasteful to give presents on arrival,rather than after dinner.The gift given early seems thoughtful,while the later offering can be misconstrued as a reward for a meal.
Never go to Japan without an enormous wad of business cards and make sure the cards are translated into Japanese because in Japan the business or visiting card is studied very carefully.You must present the card before the meeting or convention so your contact have more time to study your details and position in the business hierarchy.Then when you are actually introduced , you must bow.When giving gifts to the Japanese it is important to pay attention to the wrapping.Avoid wrapping gifts in bold colors,dark gray or black and white combination since those colors are reserved for funerals.
Never give a Chinese friend a clock.It is partly because the sound of the word clock is the same as the sound for the word pre-funeral visit to the dying.
Dont offer red roses to the wife of a West Germany acquaintance.Sorry, but red roses are too closely associated with amcur,thus considered inappropriate.
Those are guidelines for gift giving.Use your good sense and sensitivity too!