An Outdated Business Rule - Only Introduce Men to Women

In the U.S., there has been a longstanding social rule that men should be introduced to women first. However, in the workplace, at least according to the law, women are supposed to be considered equal to men, and therefore, entitled to the same rights and respect as men.

So does this “introduce men to women” rule still apply? Technically, no, at least not in business. But in a non-business setting, the "men to women" rule is still considered acceptable and widely practiced. For this reason it makes the most business sense to assess each individual situation with regard to introducing men or women first as unique rather than adhering to a hard and fast rule that is in a state of change.

Challenging Outdated Social Norms

It remains a sad fact that any time a woman asserts her rights to equal status in a business environment where men are concerned it can sometimes work against her. But a cool, calculated approach to any problem - even outdated social norms, is usually the better way to accomplish something than with an indignant "simply because" approach.

As a business woman myself my advice is when in doubt put your business ahead of your own ego. Choose the best introduction to accomplish your goals for success: to network and establish solid business relationships. Do not use an introduction to take a political stance on women's rights - unless that is your primary business goal.

As “wrong” as this will sound to some women, if you cannot get your foot in the door, you will never take the Board room (or a male-dominated industry) by storm later.

Forget The Gender Neutral Rule: Is it Business or Personal?

Even men have to “play the game” in business to get ahead so instead of thinking of introductions as having to be gender-neutral to be fair I apply a different rule for introductions: If it is a business setting – put your business first - not your gender.

I am not in any way suggesting women are inferior to men, nor that they should subordinate themselves to men in any business environment. However, as a mother of four I learned one of the most valuable lessons in life long ago: Choose your battles wisely to gain the most control. Not every little thing in life is worth fighting over in any given moment; timing is everything.

One question to consider is, "Do you want to be seen as a business woman that is equal to men or truly gender neutral and simply as a business professional?" For every woman, this is a personal choice she must be comfortable with and not one decided for her by social norms, or even by other women.

Still Not Sure What to do About Introductions?

Because there are outdated practiced customs that conflict with slowly changing rules of introduction, play the social game within your own personal comfort level. Bear in mind, however, that in business, it is all about networking, networking, networking, and introductions are a big factor in successfully networking yourself and your business.