Manners and Professionalism

This is a slightly different blog than I typically write, I own a Web PR firm so the norm for me to write about typically relates to social media, PR etc

I wanted to make a comment on how to operate in business as I see it. People these days seem to have lost some feeling or personal discipline, I observe it almost everyday. Telephone calls with rude people, airplane check in people who argue with their clients/customers, obnoxious clients and on and on….

I can’t figure out what changed in these now adults I watch act this way along the path from being a kid to arriving at who they are today? Are people bitter, frustrated, impatient, maybe all of the above but let me be clear about what is needed and how people must act and operate if we are to make strong progress as a country.

1. First, people like to be treated well, like they are respected and if done, they will in turn treat you the same. Make an active point to treat people nicely.

2. Manners are an absolute must, remember what you parents tried to teach you, please and thank you’s, hello goodmornings etc. It takes very little effort but I have found that using manners in all aspects of business and life will take you a long way and you are shooting yourself in the foot to bypass this. Treat people well, respect them, use manners and watch the results.. You will do well with this

3. Professionalism- who are you? What is your title and role in your company? Be the part FULLY! If you are the manager, be the manager to the absolute best of your ability, push all of your strengths to become the best. Be a true professional. Don’t take advantage of your position ever, just do your job like a pro and represent your company fully. If you do this, you will succeed and be greatly appreciated in any company whether your own or another. Don’t be pompous or use positional altitude on others, just BE a pro at what you do.

4. Notice good work and commend others for it. I see people to fabulous work daily and very rarely ever get commended for it. Thank people for doing a great job and let them know that they are valuable to you and the company. Push them as much as you want to hit targets etc but don’t forget to commend them and thank them. This will go a long way, people are the most valuable asset any company anywhere has to offer.

So my point of this blog is to simply get you to think about how you communicate with others, how you treat others as well as yourself and use manners, be courteous, thank people and just simply be a friendly human being and this alone will take you far in life.

I hope you read this and it helps you to improve your life as well as give you a better chance of getting ahead because people like other people who are pleasant to be around.

Warm regards

-Robert