Remember your manners...

I recently read an article on manners and it had an impact on me so here I go piggybacking on that topic.  As an HR professional, I often work with individuals/teams on appropriate professional behavior or team dysfunction.  This is not an everyday occurrence but happens nonetheless – manners on the other hand are a different story.  Good manners should be habit for everyone, especially when interacting in business.  People remember good manners – it isn’t a generational thing either, good and bad manners are apparent in all generations.  I think in today’s society with everyone always face down on their smart phones or running from one a appointment to the other, society as a whole has dropped the ball on manners.  If you want to stand out as an employee, potential candidate, business leader, business owner, etc. good manners are important.  Here are a few things that drive people crazy when they’re not done and also some general ‘be nice’ tips as you walk (or run) through your day:

·        Answer emails promptly, even if it’s just to acknowledge that you received it but don’t have the response ready yet

·        Answer meeting invitations promptly as well

·        If you can’t make a meeting time, try and suggest another time

·        On that note, be on time to meetings – everyone is busy so that is no excuse for being late

·        Say thank you for a meeting

·        Ask how someone’s day is going

·        Don’t text or scroll your phone while in a meeting

·        Make sure you thank someone for a job interview

·        Thank someone if they helped you out in any way

·        If you run in to someone and you’re with someone else, please introduce them

·        Add a salutation before your email message and after

·        Capitalize people’s names in correspondence

·        Don’t interrupt people when they are trying to make a point

·        Be respectful of ‘normal’ work hours – don’t call at 9 PM unless a real emergency

Remember the golden rule…