It’s probably safe to assume that many of us enjoy taking our lunch break. This precious time of day not only fills the void left by an absent breakfast, but it also allows us to step away from the hustle and bustle of the office. We all need a quick “me break” from time to time, right?

So, how is it possible to dread one of the best parts of the workday? Simple – you don’t know which fork to use (figuratively speaking). Think back to the first time your supervisor, colleague, client, customer, etc. invited you to a business lunch meeting. You may have felt several emotions such as immediate hunger and excitement that quickly turned to curiosity and fear. The latter emotions likely came into play if this was your first “real” business lunch.

Yes, we’ve heard of proper table etiquette and the do’s and don’ts of dining. However, there are also several helpful tips for participating in a business lunch. Here are a few to consider:

• Put that phone away. Let’s face it… we live in a world where we take our cell phones with us everywhere. It’s tempting to put your phone on the table where you can see it, touch it and remember that it’s there. However, you should also think about the person sitting across from you. At that moment in time, they’re your priority. If you must keep your phone out, simply place it on silent and discretely monitor it.
• Pay attention to what the other person orders. It’s lunch, not dinner. Take care to listen to what your lunch companion orders. If he/she orders a salad and soup, don’t take it upon yourself to order a steak and baked potato. Of course, you can venture out with a sandwich or a wrap as you don’t have to order the exact same thing. However, the key is to mirror the other person’s meal choice. Also, try to stay away from messy or spicy foods. That just opens the door for an uncomfortable dining experience.
• Actively listen. It is your lunchtime and as such, it’s expected for you to eat. While you’re in the process of enjoying your meal, be sure to actually listen to the other person. After all, you were invited to lunch for a reason. Active listening includes both verbal and non-verbal cues such as an “uh huh”, a head nod and eye contact. It doesn’t hurt to do one or more of these throughout the meeting to reassure the other person that you are listening.
• Say thank you. A simple thank you goes a long way. First, you can thank the other person for inviting you to lunch. Second, if your client paid for your meal, a thank you is clearly customary. Lastly, don’t forget to thank your waiter or waitress, who also played a significant role in the lunch meeting experience.

Now, these are just a few of many lunch meeting tips. While I’m not suggesting you must follow these tips to the “T” every time, just remember everything you do or don’t do speaks to others. With that in mind, what do you want your business lunch etiquette to say about you?