As we start the new year it might be an idea to re-visit simple things in order to be more effective. Things like … being polite!
What do you think of when you think of a manager? Often people think of the manager as being their key support to enable them to get the job done. But also people think of them, sometimes, as being a bully and the absolute impediment to getting work sorted. Great success in management is all about earning respect and respecting who you work with.
Business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of When the Little Things Count…and They Always Count, says being polite helps build up “politeness credits.” Here are her suggestions for nine polite business practices:
1 Use polite words. Simple words such as “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome” are the foundation of good manners.
2 Write thank-you notes. It’s not enough to just say thank you for lunch, a gift or a job interview. A written acknowledgement does the job much better.
3 Don’t put people down. A reputation for constant criticism will make business associates wonder what you say about them behind their backs.
4 Don’t use offensive language. Don’t let curse words creep into your everyday speech.
5 Greet people. A simple “hi,” “hello” or “good morning” when you encounter a co-worker helps to make the work environment more pleasant.
6 Don’t play practical jokes. Remember you’re in an office and not a school yard.
7 Be considerate when sharing space and equipment with others. This covers everything from being aware of how much noise you make to cleaning up a conference room after a lunch meeting.
8 Help others. Tomorrow you may need help from someone else.
9 Disagree agreeably. You don’t have to agree with everyone, but you should respect their opinions.
These ideas seem to me eminently practical and sensible. So, what's my weak link? Time, I think, for us all to get to work to make work more pleasant and enjoyable. Happy new year.
The Mapping Motivation Series 