12.20.07

Negotiating Faux Pas – The Soles of the Shoes

Posted in Negotiating at 5:04 am by Administrator

I was watching a rerun of the Daily Show this evening (still suffering from the Writer’s strike) and Jon Stewart itnerviewed Presidential Hopeful and former Secretary of Energy Governor Bill Richardson. Richardson has been through some of the toughest US diplomatic negotiations, especially dealing with the North Koreans.

Richardson told of his meeting with Sadam Hussein to free two US prisoners in Iraq. Richardson started off the meeting in a relaxed manned and crossed his legs, inadvertently showing Sadam the soles of his feet — a sign of insult in the Arab world and much of the Muslim world. Sadam immediately stood up and left the room. The Foreign Minister explained what had happened and Richardson asked for the meeting to continue. Richardson didn’t apologize but he did watch his feet after that. Richardson was successful in securing the release of the US prisoners. 

That incident again highlights the need to be sensitive to cultural taboos. It also highlights the need to be flexible. If you inadvertently make a faux pas, move past it.

Have you any incidents when you inadvertently insulted your host?

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