The term etiquette can sound quaint and old fashioned. However in the modern world manners are more important than ever. With more forms of technology there are more potential ways you could offend people. Therefore it is vital to be aware of basic manners and etiquette.
The most basic thing to do is to say please and thank you. In simple terms you are asking someone for something and they have to give it to you. If someone is serving you food in a restaurant it does not matter that it is their job you should still be polite to them. Saying thank you also shows you appreciate what you have been given.
However this is the time when manners become even more important. You are more likely to get a complaint resolved if you talk in a polite tone rather than rant and rave at the person on the other end of the phone. This does not mean you become a pushover and you still need to be firm but being polite is not the same as letting people walk over you.
Unfortunately delays can sometimes happen that are beyond your control. If you are know you are going to be late it is good manners to inform people that you are going to be late so they can make alternative arrangements as necessary. However if you are well organised you are less likely to face these kinds of problems as you can allow time for delays.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
With regard to phones there is a whole array of etiquette to be aware of. It is best to either set them to silent or turn them off. Taking a call in the middle of a meeting or while talking can be very rude as the inference is that this call is more important than the person you are talking to.
Another complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
One of the simplest ways to be polite to people is to remember the golden rule of treating others how you would wish to be treated. Whether someone is a potential investor or serving you drinks they are still someone who should be treated with respect. It may sound simple but being able to be polite will generally help you be more accepted with people than trying too hard to be assertive or show off.
The most basic thing to do is to say please and thank you. In simple terms you are asking someone for something and they have to give it to you. If someone is serving you food in a restaurant it does not matter that it is their job you should still be polite to them. Saying thank you also shows you appreciate what you have been given.
However this is the time when manners become even more important. You are more likely to get a complaint resolved if you talk in a polite tone rather than rant and rave at the person on the other end of the phone. This does not mean you become a pushover and you still need to be firm but being polite is not the same as letting people walk over you.
Unfortunately delays can sometimes happen that are beyond your control. If you are know you are going to be late it is good manners to inform people that you are going to be late so they can make alternative arrangements as necessary. However if you are well organised you are less likely to face these kinds of problems as you can allow time for delays.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
With regard to phones there is a whole array of etiquette to be aware of. It is best to either set them to silent or turn them off. Taking a call in the middle of a meeting or while talking can be very rude as the inference is that this call is more important than the person you are talking to.
Another complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
One of the simplest ways to be polite to people is to remember the golden rule of treating others how you would wish to be treated. Whether someone is a potential investor or serving you drinks they are still someone who should be treated with respect. It may sound simple but being able to be polite will generally help you be more accepted with people than trying too hard to be assertive or show off.
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