THE BUSINESS OF MANNERS

"Anyone can be polite to a king. It takes a gentleman to be polite to a beggar."

Unknown

When was the last time you considered the role of good manners in business?

You should if for no other reason than, in business, today's beggar and king may soon swap places.

BOTH TO AND FROM YOU

"Civility costs nothing."

Proverb

Your position within a company does not matter; you owe and are owed civility to and from others.

Now That's Different!

"It is superstitious to put one's hope in formalities, but arrogant to refuse to submit to them."

Blaise Pascal

17th century French mathematician, physicist, philosopher

I spend a lot of time working in Asia; Japan, Korea and China in particular, where social "formalities" are complex.

Accepting them is not only essential to success in business, doing so is also enjoyable.

The next time you encounter "formalities" different from what you are used to, give it a try. 

Besides being important for whatever you wish to do, you may just enjoy the experience.

Thank You!

"There is as much greatness of mind in acknowledging a good turn as in doing it."

Seneca

4th century BC Roman philosopher

And yet so few people do.

The next time someone helps you find a job, get a promotion, or with some part of your job, thank them.

Thank You!

"It is wise to apply the oil of refined politeness to the mechanisms of friendship."

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette

Early 20th century French novelist

Manners, etiquette still matter as in the past, and not just in friendship but in all aspects of business.

Relationships: The Importance of Mutual Respect

"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again."

Og Mandino
Author "The Greatest Salesman in the World"

The February 14th edition of The Economist includes an article about a resurgence in positive business manners, the result of bad economic times.

Unfortunately but probably likely, the article concludes this will pass as good times return.

Nice when things are bad, rude when they are good.

How important is it that we employ respect and courtesy in our business relationships?