Making someone --- feel good (genuinely) is a gift one gives to others and eases the tension of that first meeting. Giving someone precedence, showing respect for rank and titles is preferable but it does not mean that we have to put ourselves down in any way in the process. Again, it's good to know the protocol of greetings around the world and what is expected. Expressing humility is similar but a little different, it is viewed as a strength in Asia, but as a weakness in the US and should be used sparingly if at all.

Source author: Marie Betts-Johnson mbj@ipicalifornia.com