University Grooming Etiquette When to Leave Business Social Etiquette Lessons

Outclass the Competition
by Harold Almon
schoolofetiquette@ateasepress.com

The caller is to make the first move to end a meeting. Look for signals that the objective has been met. Thank the senior person for taking the time to meet. Get up the moment he or she does. Be prepared to leave, whenever a senior person has said, "Thanks for sharing that information with me," "I am looking forward to hearing more about this subject," or "I'll need to do some more thinking on this, and then I'll get back to you," or "Call me." The key parting phrase to leaving can begin with the words, "Thank you," "Thank you very much, I wish you the best, (or not,)" or "My support and best wishes." When a person is ready to leave a host or hostess is to "See" him or her to the door.

After a visit, allow the senior person to leave first. Remain at an official event until after the guest of honor has departed.

At a social event, leave first so the guest of honor is free to do so.

Allow the woman with you to make the first move toward departure.

Leave an event just before saying, or hearing, things that you will regret. Allow a maximum of four hours to any night event. For most three will do.

Act as if you are having a good time. Avoid attracting so much attention in leaving as to suggest to others that they should leave also. At a small event, say, "Good bye" to any person with whom you are talking. You can say, "Nice meeting you." You may add, "I enjoyed our talk." "I hope we will meet again soon." At a large event, say "Good bye" only to those who you engaged in conversation. Say to your hostess, "Thank you. I had a wonderful time."

Leave an event a maximum of forty-five minutes after the time stated on any invitation.

Discretely, write down the names of people to whom you have spoken: the guests, the people who served you and the name of the person to whom to address correspondence when sending a note saying, "Thank you." Note: you saying “Thank you,” and/or your thank you note may be the most significant thing someone remembers about you.

In business, you can say, “I should probably get going so I do not get you behind in your day. Thank you for seeing me." The same thing can be said by getting up, looking at the senior person, and saying, "Thank you," or “Nice Meeting You.”

Leave anytime, you hear a telephone ring, and someone says to you, “I need to take this call.” “Actually, I need to leave.”