Men / gentlemen(?) seem to have a habit of putting their hands in their pocket when they are “on display”. As a personal coach with a rich European history (The Netherlands) I feel it makes an awkward impression on readers, visitors, business partners or women. When I am correct, uniform wearers like the military, are strictly prohibited from using the pockets. So, the correct posture is known in this society. Why still doing this? The textbooks suggest it is all about insecurity and it shows in the body language involved.
When men want to be gentlemen in business with all the necessary skills to trade with partners abroad, the first thing to do is to attend to their body language. To do so, one needs to be aware of oneself. Hence, know yourself first before you can be empathic to your clients needs. It is so easy to look at the outside world and write comments about how Atlantic Canada may or may not behave. The true challenge lies within and once mastered it gives infinite insight in the world!