Lesson 14 - Whats In A Handshake?

The Story

As a child growing up, one of the many life lessons instilled in me was to wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. As a child I often played in the dirt and places where germs customarily manifested. Another lesson I learned growing up was when introduced to new acquaintances always shake their hands. It is said to be a polite thing to do, and demonstrates a sign of friendly reception.

I can't remember the first time I shook someone's hand, but as an adult I have learned the different handshakes I detest and those I most appreciate. It is frequently said that the handshake is a window into the personality. For example, on the phenomenal television show "Survivor" during the last episode the tribal council selects the winner of the contest. Before the vote, seven remaining tribal members were given an opportunity to ask a question or make a statement to the remaining first and second place contestants.

In the heat of anger one tribal member named Susan verbally lashed out at Kelly who had the deciding vote to cast her from the contest. Susan's anger stemmed from an alliance that was broken as Rudy, Richard, and Kelly (the last three members) began to fend for themselves as the contest came to its season finale. But after the winner was chosen, the seven tribal members went to give their congratulatory hugs and handshakes. Of course Susan went over to shake hands with Kelly for placing second. While 40 million viewers watched, Kelly refused to shake Susan's hand. So what's in a handshake?

Dr. Wade Horn, President of the National Fatherhood Initiative said, "The handshake establishes contact; it sends a message. If I am having an important meeting the handshake will tell me if the meeting was successful." Dr. Horn went on to explain further that, "If there is a firm, tight, and strong grip at the end of the meeting then the meeting was successful. If not, then that person is disappointed and not pleased with some aspect of the meeting." He closed by saying "When someone shakes my hand and doesn't let go then that's too personal."

But what does that say about billionaire and former presidential candidate Donald Trump? Mr. Trump, who does not like to shake hands, was met with some controversy when refusing to shake hands on the 2000 presidential campaign trail. The New Republic reported that Donald Trump is "A germ freak. Trump has said he doesn't want to touch the diseased masses. His campaign hands out half-ounce bottles of hand-cleaner, with Trump's web-site address taped to the necks."

Evan Burfield, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer for the Netdecide Corporation, said "It's like driving on the highway. People do things that are so uncivilized, things that you they would never do in person. It's the same way in a corporation; there's a protective layer that a handshake removes for a second. It lets you understand that you are talking with another person who needs to be treated like a person with trust, respect, and forthrightness."

Evan added that, "Today we are operating in a cross-gender environment. That man-to-man power struggle handshake doesn't work with women. It's a positive to have women involved with everything we do; it softens a lot of the male aggressive rituals." And speaking of rituals, the handshake has origins more anthropological than historical. Because they carried knives, spears, and rocks, when land was scarce and sacred males would extend their hand to show that they were not attempting to kill their neighbor. To add to that, the classical Greeks were under the impression that the right hands were mysteriously connected to the heart.

The Greeks may not have been very far off point. The handshake is a symbol equivalent of a promise. It becomes a virtue of the word and value of the person extending it. It is an agreement sealed with honor before the lawyers get involved. The handshake is a very valuable tool and, since in business often the communication is one-to-one, it's flexible and indicates that an agreement has been reached on current dealings. It says that all information and intentions have been disclosed so that the value of the handshake is not diminished. The lesson here is that the handshake historically has carried symbolic importance. It is good to know what your handshake is worth. It's your word and it says you can deliver on your promises.

Kevin Robertson, president of Vision of Life consulting firm said it best-"Today a man or woman is judged on their handshake, eye contact, and the display of confidence." This is a far cry from the classical Greeks, or prehistoric man who when all they had to worry about being stabbed or hit with a rock. There were no lawyers and no contracts, just the bond of a man's word.

The Lesson

What's in a handshake? The handshake encompasses trust, honor, and communications, follow through and follow up, and represent good faith negotiations. After all, the word of a man and woman still lies in the bond that they will ultimately create.

Melvin E. Murphy is a Consummate Speaker, Noted Author & Certified Seminar Leader Mr. Murphy provides keynote speeches and seminars to educational institutions, civic groups, public associations, and corporations throughout the country. To contact him Email: mmurphy833@aol.com or to order his book It's Who You Know! go to: partnershipsolutions.net