When is the last time you thought about the simple courtesy of etiquette?
What is etiquette? It's showing respect for yourself and others. Good manners are indispensable in society and in business. Etiquette and good manners are apprecitated and cost nothing.
Why is it that when someone calls you on the phone they hardly ever ask if it's a good time for you or if you even have the time to talk? Of course, I am embarassed to say that I have been guilty of this myself, many times.
In the last few weeks I have had several calls that were either intensely personal, business related or lengthy in detail that required my undivided attention and privacy to talk. In two of these calls I had to make an important decision. I don't do that. I find decisions (unless emergency in nature) that are made on impulse have never been the wisest. Not at one time did any of the callers ask if I was busy. The business calls assumed that I had been waiting with phone in hand and the computer in front of me along with paper and pen. And in a few of the calls I did let them talk for a while and then ask if I could return the call another time. I also asked what times might be best for them. Such simple courtesy. Nothing hard about it. The hard part is to actually do it.
I have been amazed at the lack of courtesy in the world lately. Is it true or am I getting older and crotchety? We are all in a hurry, over stressed, underpaid, under appreciated and even overwhelmed. It's exactly at times like this that the simplest of things are appreciated and welcome.
This month I will be more attentive to being courteous, polite, considerate and thoughtful. That goes for strangers and friends. I hope it becomes more of a natural habit than something I actually have to think about doing.
Oh . . . I should have asked you if you have time to read my lengthy post, if not please come back when you do have more time. I'd love to have you visit.
