Being polite is something that is pretty simple to do. Unfortunately it is also something we can often forget, especially in stressful situations. This is why it helps to be aware of basic manners and etiquette in order to maintain good relationships with people and generally be a good person to interact with.
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.
There is an old saying that says how it is the thought that counts. This means that it is as much the attitude behind your actions as it is the action itself. Remembering to buy a gift for a birthday is only part of it. You also need to think about what people like and what is appropriate for them.
This is also the case when it comes to manners. If you are in doubt sense the tone. The idea of good manners is to put people at their ease. In general it is best to engage with people as much as possible. For example you should not take a phone call in the middle of a conversation. If the call is important you should excuse yourself first and then come back to the table, preferably by quickly addressing the problem, saying you will call the person back and then getting back to the person you are with as soon as possible.
Another problem people can have is punctuality. If you need to get to a meeting then you should get a bus or leave early to allow time for traffic, delays and so forth. If you are delayed then you have to contact people as soon as possible to let them know you will be late. With cell phones there is no excuse and it should be possible to do a quick text or call to let them know.
In recent years some issues around etiquette have changed. For example it was often expected that men hold doors open for women. However some women can find this patronising. In order to avoid this there is a simple solution. All you need to do is hold doors open for everyone!
Another key bit of etiquette people need to be aware of is conversation. The important thing to do is sense the tone of the people around you. Some people will be more sensitive to bad language, controversial topics and so forth and it is important to know when to start a conversation and when to change the subject. This equally applies to being online as it does to real life. If you would not be prepared to say something to someone face to face you should not say it to them online.
In simple terms being polite and having good manners is not about being a pushover. It is about being able to maintain self control and put people at their ease regardless of whether they are a valet picking up your car or a potential investor in your company. Check online for more information about specific etiquette for various social situations to help you overcome any unintentional social embarrassment.
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.
There is an old saying that says how it is the thought that counts. This means that it is as much the attitude behind your actions as it is the action itself. Remembering to buy a gift for a birthday is only part of it. You also need to think about what people like and what is appropriate for them.
This is also the case when it comes to manners. If you are in doubt sense the tone. The idea of good manners is to put people at their ease. In general it is best to engage with people as much as possible. For example you should not take a phone call in the middle of a conversation. If the call is important you should excuse yourself first and then come back to the table, preferably by quickly addressing the problem, saying you will call the person back and then getting back to the person you are with as soon as possible.
Another problem people can have is punctuality. If you need to get to a meeting then you should get a bus or leave early to allow time for traffic, delays and so forth. If you are delayed then you have to contact people as soon as possible to let them know you will be late. With cell phones there is no excuse and it should be possible to do a quick text or call to let them know.
In recent years some issues around etiquette have changed. For example it was often expected that men hold doors open for women. However some women can find this patronising. In order to avoid this there is a simple solution. All you need to do is hold doors open for everyone!
Another key bit of etiquette people need to be aware of is conversation. The important thing to do is sense the tone of the people around you. Some people will be more sensitive to bad language, controversial topics and so forth and it is important to know when to start a conversation and when to change the subject. This equally applies to being online as it does to real life. If you would not be prepared to say something to someone face to face you should not say it to them online.
In simple terms being polite and having good manners is not about being a pushover. It is about being able to maintain self control and put people at their ease regardless of whether they are a valet picking up your car or a potential investor in your company. Check online for more information about specific etiquette for various social situations to help you overcome any unintentional social embarrassment.
