Going Down...

Dear Reader,

I hope you’re having a luxury weekend in the most Hanson-approved manner. Spring is dawning, so I’m sure you’re feeling the relief now the inclement weather is finally lifting.

How has your week been? If you didn’t get cuffed and buggered as happened to me (not literally, alas) in Switzerland over banned goods, I’d say you’ve sailed through the week just fine!

Here’s what happened…

Did you see me on The Wheel, again, yesterday?

The Wheel really is controlled randomly by a computer generator so it didn't land on me very much. Still, I was delighted to be invited back for a third time to be spun round by Michael in an aircraft hanger in Hertfordshire.

At this rate, the BBC will start introducing me as William Hamster if I end up on The Wheel a fourth time.

If you missed it, it is available on catch-up here.

Which floor, madam?

Speaking of lifting, people are often taken aback by how lift etiquette (elevator for our American friends) works, which I adumbrated here this week.

• Who walks in first?

• Do you talk or stay silent?

• Shouldn’t I exit first to lead the way?

Well, no more claustrophobic kerfuffles - here is my mini-crash course in correct lift etiquette.

Your Exclusive Lift Etiquette Guide

How to ensure your manners on the move result in more ups than downs…

1. Deference and precedence

First, remember that socially or professionally, etiquette and acts of kindness are often based on a deference to those more senior. Traditionally, this meant prioritising gender or age. Nowadays, position or rank is the only deciding factor, especially in the workplace.

The more senior person enters the lift first.

2. How do I know who is more senior?

Consider who is higher up the corporate ladder to understand who takes priority.

“What if I’m entering a lift with my boss and my client?”

In this case, your client takes precedence since, as we know, there is neither a boss nor a business without the client.

3. Who exits the lift first?

Nine times out of ten, unless a Viennese Waltz has been attempted while journeying along the shaft, this will be the person who entered last - the junior. It frustrates me no end in hotels, where the receptionist or porter showing you to your room at check-in insists on you, the client, exiting first, having to awkwardly brush past them first for you to have no idea which way to turn once in the corridor.

Bonus Tip: Silent, but not deadly.

Those with a true British code of behaviour know that lifts are for silence unless you know the people well. A quiet ‘Hello’ with a light smile, if at all, is plenty for the next ten seconds.

Speak later, and temporarily hold your peace.

It was, as ever, a real privilege to see you at The English Manner Business Protocol Masterclass in London yesterday.

Keep in touch, and if death does make himself known to you in a lift, just remember to go up.

Yours sincerely,

William Hanson

How To Fake Drink

While others should never pressurise you to drink, and you should call it out when it happens, there are certain situations where you may want to take the socially easy route, or just ease the pressure on the wallet too!

View Now

Correct Lift Etiquette

See my demonstration of correct lift etiquette in action the next time you are on the way up (and hold the door!).

View Now

Do you talk to strangers in lifts?