In 2016, @ETIQhour will concentrate on the top 15 Business Etiquette Essentials every future leader will want to know. Each fortnight a new Essential has been released:

Essential #2: A handshake is still the professional standard.

In business, no matter what area of business, this simple gesture demonstrate that you’re polite, confident and approachable. It sets the tone for any potential future professional relationship.

• In a very casual work atmosphere, you might be able to get away with a nod or a hello, it’s always worth it to make the extra effort to offer your hand. No matter the occasion.
• Be the first to extend your hand. This makes a strong, lasting impression on the person at the receiving end.
• Convey confidence in both your handshake and stance.

Follow these simple steps to an effective handshake:

• Extend your right hand straight before the handshake.
• Do not have your palm facing either up or down; the palm should meet with the palm of the other person.
• Take the other person’s hand in a firm but not rock-hard clasp.
• Make sure that the web located between your thumb and fingers meets the web of the other person’s hand.
• Keep your hand perpendicular to the ground.
• Do not roll it sideways for the handshake. Keep the fingers together with the thumb up and open.
• Shake up and down no more that two or three times.
• Avoid excessive pumping/shaking as it becomes annoying and distracting.
• Don’t linger for too long. Shake for 5 seconds.
• If you hold someone’s hand too long, it can become an embarrassing social faux pas or #pooretiquette.
• When giving the handshake, make eye contact, smile sincerely and state your usual greetings.

Practice makes perfect, practice on your loved ones, the better your handshake is, the more confident your introductions and meetings with business colleagues will be.