Things You Should Never Say

In a social atmosphere, just about anything goes when trying to break the ice and get comfortable with a new acquaintance. The rules of professional etiquette, however, dictate that certain subjects or comments are strictly off-limits in a business setting. Although it's sometimes tough to gauge what is okay and what is not, here are a few topics that are commonly considered as taboo for a first business meeting.

How Much Do You Make?

While curiosity about another person's job duties or particular industry is understandable and acceptable, asking about a person's salary in a business setting is not good professional etiquette. Even if the person is willing to share that information, he is probably making a mental note about being asked such a question, and it won't be in a positive regard. When someone asks about money in a business setting, it opens the door for others to make certain assumptions about that person's priorities. Additionally, if the person being asked the question has any negative feelings about his own or others' salaries, bringing the topic up will only serve to cause discomfort. Those feelings of discomfort will probably then be associated with the person asking the question. Such a lack of professional etiquette may be remembered long after the incident has passed.

I Hate My Job

The fact that a person hates his job may be true, but it is not an appropriate topic to discuss in a business setting. Saying such a thing is a very negative statement and a business meeting is not the forum to address job dissatisfaction. If a person says he hates his job, there are probably valid reasons why he feels that way, but making this type of statement does nothing to clarify what those reasons are. Time constraints and professional etiquette usually prevent conversations from dragging on for too long. Consequently, the person listening to a comment from someone who hates their work doesn't get to understand the full scope of why that unhappiness exists. They are simply left with an impression of a person who seems to lean toward a negative outlook.

What Religion Do You Practice?

For many people, religion is a highly personal subject. In a professional setting, people want to know that they are respected and valued as a business person no matter what their personal or religious beliefs are. This fact may be called into question if a person is asked about such a personal matter in a first business meeting. Discussing religion in the workplace at any time pushes the boundaries of professional etiquette, but even more so when it involves meeting someone for the first time.

Getting to know someone in a business setting can be a little more challenging to navigate than when in a casual atmosphere. Remembering to stay away from personal topics or strongly opinionated views on race, religion or relationships is extremely important. Keeping these few basic rules of professional etiquette in mind can help to avoid making any unrecoverable conversation blunders.

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