I’m with Fauci — and Howie Mandel: Let’s wave goodbye to the handshake
About five years ago, a few dozen business professionals circled the perimeter of a gymnasium at Marshall Middle School for the school’s first “Shake Off” — a speed-dating-style contest in which students were judged on their ability to look, sound and act professional.
The first test: a firm handshake.
It’s basic etiquette, practiced in classrooms, boardrooms and business meetings all over the world. The cultural tradition dates back to the fifth century, when Greek soldiers reached out their hands as a sign of peace, demonstrating that they weren’t carrying a weapon.
These days, the handshake has become a weapon of its own, known to spread germs that can cause a variety of illnesses, including COVID-19.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert, recently recommended ending the practice altogether.
“I don’t think we should ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you,” Fauci told Kate Linebaugh, co-host of the Wall Street Journal podcast. “Not only would it be good to prevent coronavirus disease; it probably would decrease instances of influenza dramatically in this country.”
Fauci and game-show host Howie Mandel — a self-described germophobe who famously greeted “Deal or No Deal” contestants with a fist bump instead of a handshake — may be on to something.
We don’t need to shake hands, so why do it? Whenever things get back to normal, whatever that looks like, we could collectively agree to eliminate the practice.
It wouldn’t be the first mindless habit we’ve ditched for the sake of health. Not long ago, many business meetings were conducted amid clouds of cigarette smoke — as any episode of “Mad Men” illustrates — and tobacco companies even used doctors to pitch their products.
People once lit up freely inside offices, restaurants, buses and airplanes. Now that we know the health effects of first- and second-hand smoke, that seems horrifyingly rude.
It won’t be easy to stop shaking hands. Reaching out to greet people is second nature in the workplace and so many other scenarios, including churches, schools, campaign trails and social gatherings.
But it’s not impossible.
During a worship service prior to Kansas’ stay-at-home order, when coronavirus concerns were starting to germinate in Wichita, my church’s priest told congregants we shouldn’t feel compelled to shake hands during the traditional “passing of the peace.”
Instead, we looked our neighbors in the eyes. We smiled and nodded. We whispered, “Hello.” Some waved or flashed the two-finger peace sign.
It felt a bit awkward, but not unfriendly. Eye contact is everything — as I’ve lectured my children for years — and a simple smile goes a long way.
The idea behind Marshall Middle School’s “Shake Off” five years ago — and the goal of similar lessons in countless other schools through the years — was to instill the importance of leadership, citizenship and professionalism. Students learned about punctuality, eye contact, active listening and other so-called “soft skills” that are so valuable in the workplace.
They’re all still important. Moving forward, though, we should jettison one small part of business etiquette — the handshake — for the sake of public health.
Could we make that deal? We don’t have to shake on it.
This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 3:22 PM.
