[Photo by Slava]
A few years back a friend of mine introduced me to one of her friends and I have never forgotten him since. Not because he made a good impression on me, but because of his “dead fish” handshake.
It sounds like an odd image to associate with someone, but I will never forget that weak, clammy, cold handshake. I felt that he was shaking my hand because it was polite etiquette, not because he was interested in meeting me.
I was definitely not interested in conversing with him after that.
I asked my friends about this recently and it was agreed that the handshake is important to the overall impression you leave on someone. The handshake has the ability to reveal the kind of person you are and influence the type of relationship you establish between yourself and the other person.
In “customer experience” the way you greet a customer can play it’s part in the impression customers have of you, the company you represent and your ability to provide a positive and productive relationship with them. If people can form an opinion about you just by your handshake, then surely your handshake must be considered important in the way you greet your customers?
To me, a firm handshake means that the person is happy to meet me, ready to do business and will take a genuine interest in what I have to say. A “dead fish” handshake, on the other hand, tells me the person is not very interested in meeting me, is just going through the motions because they have to and the relationship will not be as productive as it could be.
Whenever I am introduced to someone I try to be the first person to extend my hand and convey my sincerity in meeting them with a firm handshake. I want to show people that I have social confidence and that I enjoy meeting people. Which I believe I do!
What are your thoughts on the handshake?
What does your handshake say about you – could you improve it?
Have you ever come across an unforgettable handshake?
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