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V O L . X X X N O. X X V I I D E C E M B E R 2 , 2 0 2 4 6 B U S I N E S S M A I N E Business news from around the state Let us help you write your next chapter. For the life you choose. At Norway Savings Asset Management Group, it's not necessarily the size of your nest egg we care about — it's the story behind it. Your planning decisions are a reflection of your values and your future. They're about the choices you've made to get here, and your vision for what comes next. We take the responsibility of protecting your financial future incredibly seriously. We make sure your story lives on. 207.482.7920 norwaysavings.bank N ot F DIC I n su red • N o B a n k G ua ra ntee • M ay Lose Va lue Hug or a handshake? A Mainebiz columnist spelled out the etiquette B y P e t e r V a n A l l e n P R expert Nancy Marshall is a longtime columnist for Mainebiz, going back more than a decade. She has a lively voice and an infectious enthusi- asm that translates well to columns that offer advice on branding, marketing and social media. Over the years, she's written more than 100 columns for Mainebiz. Topics have included, "How Maine's small busi- nesses can turn crisis into opportunity," "How to stand out in a sea of sameness" and "How to avoid overcommitment and get more enjoyment out of life" (written with collaborator Ann Leamon). Nancy's real superpower is offering suggestions about how to navigate workplace communication — the everyday words and gestures that can make or break a company's internal culture. In 2017, she proposed writing a column on the seemingly simple art of greeting a colleague or busi- ness acquaintance after a long interval. Would it be a hug or a handshake? When the column came out in February 2018, the #metoo movement was in full force, as Nancy acknowledged. "We're reading every day about harassment in the workplace and #metoo. You may be wondering how to apply that to your company and workplace," she wrote. "That often translates to questions about whether it's appropriate to hug co-workers, clients, employees and or professional acquaintances. It's no wonder many of us are dusting off our handshaking skills." Nancy counseled to "err on the conservative side. Men should extend a hand warmly, and if the other person wants to hug, that's fine. If you do not want to hug, keep your hand extended, smiling all the time. That will send a signal that all you want is a handshake and no more physical contact … If you are going to initiate a hug, allow some space." If unsure, ask. Earlier this year, she revisited the "hug or hand- shake" theme, and how greetings have changed since the pandemic. "You may be comfortable hugging friends, but the same rules do not apply for hugging colleagues or clients at work. Understanding the nuances of hug- ging etiquette at work is crucial," she wrote. "Err on the side of caution if uncertain about hug- ging a colleague. Try alternatives like a high five, fist bump or verbal acknowl- edgment to avoid potential discomfort." Whatever you do, she warned, "exercise caution when considering hugging your subordinates, as the power dynamic can com- plicate such interactions. Stick to professional ges- tures like handshakes to maintain boundaries. In other words, it's best not to hug subordinates. I believe that HR profession- als would agree with me." When in doubt "about hugging someone," she con- cluded, "seek explicit permission to avoid potential discomfort. Respect their response, whether affirma- tive or negative." SP ONSORED BY PR maven Nancy Marcshall

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