Career By Design

Hello,

Am I the only person that has noticed that men/guys shake hands diffferently with women? It makes me think twice when I see this.

I consider it disrespectful. It's a professional environment, everyone should other peoples hands like they are suppose to. 

Oanh "Wahn"

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Oanh "Wan" Le, A.M.ASCE (She/Her)
Rochdale, MA
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In a post pandemic world, there is no wrong or right way to shake hands.   When in doubt, ask: hug, handshake, high five, fist bump, elbow bump, wave, nod, or smile.  I think the addition of the fist bump in the professional settling is a welcomed addition.  

Your handshake can say a lot about your confidence, respect, or sincerity.  Handshakes perceived as weak are generally do not favor the person offering them/  My cousin is a lawyer and his handshakes are known to be bone-crushing to everyone.  I don't suggest that for everyone, but here I am talking about it - the impact of strong first impression is a achieved.  Firm and genuine for all is a good approach.

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Chad Morrison P.E., F.ASCE
Professional Engineer
Greenville RI
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I am currently 26 and have noticed a change over the years from when I first attended seminars around 10th-11th grade and today. When I was younger the prevailing wisdom was men were taught was to firmly shake all men's hands and to match the grasp of any female who's hand we shook. I tend to take this approach when I shake hands with females, not out of disrespect but rather because some women have a very firm handshake, which I match, whereas others barely grasp your hand at all and it would be rude for me to crush their hand while shaking it. For men who have been in the industry for many decades, they came up during a time when women were taught to specifically not shake hands firmly, as such they probably out of habit might give a looser handshake to a female. I have noticed that in general, women's handshakes are much more firm today than I experienced even just ten years ago, particularly with my peers. I consider this a good thing and perhaps in time we may not notice a difference in how men/women shake hands.

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Justin Kish EI, SIT, A.M.ASCE
Design Engineer II
Chicago IL
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