It is often said that manners cost nothing. While some customs may be different around the world on a basic level there are certain gestures that everyone can recognise. In simple terms it is about recognising the needs of other people and make them feel at their ease and basic manners and etiquette can help people achieve this.
One of the simplest methods of being polite is to say please and thank you. This is something people appreciate. It is important that people aware you feel grateful for what you want from them. Equally if you give something to people it should be done in a way that makes them feel you are thinking about them. This can also extend to arriving at the time you say you will be there, replying promptly and politely to emails and so forth.
However this is the time when manners become even more important. You are more likely to get a complaint resolved if you talk in a polite tone rather than rant and rave at the person on the other end of the phone. This does not mean you become a pushover and you still need to be firm but being polite is not the same as letting people walk over you.
Unfortunately delays can sometimes happen that are beyond your control. If you are know you are going to be late it is good manners to inform people that you are going to be late so they can make alternative arrangements as necessary. However if you are well organised you are less likely to face these kinds of problems as you can allow time for delays.
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.
Indeed conversation is something that needs to be considered carefully. Some people will be more sensitive about religion or politics than others. Indeed any conversation can get heated if not properly handled so always try to bring up subjects carefully and sense the tone.
Another issue with regard to politeness is what you discuss. Certain issues such as politics and religion can be very sensitive and it is best to avoid discussing them with people you do not know as this can often result in a tense atmosphere. If you get to know people this can be easier but it is important to sense the tone when bringing up a conversation topic.
The simplest bit of advice when it comes to politeness is to consider how you would expect to be treated. This should apply to everyone you talk to regardless of whether they are a friend, someone serving you pancakes or the customer service agent who has to deal with a complaint. Generally if you are polite and willing to engage with people they are more likely to do the same with you!
One of the simplest methods of being polite is to say please and thank you. This is something people appreciate. It is important that people aware you feel grateful for what you want from them. Equally if you give something to people it should be done in a way that makes them feel you are thinking about them. This can also extend to arriving at the time you say you will be there, replying promptly and politely to emails and so forth.
However this is the time when manners become even more important. You are more likely to get a complaint resolved if you talk in a polite tone rather than rant and rave at the person on the other end of the phone. This does not mean you become a pushover and you still need to be firm but being polite is not the same as letting people walk over you.
Unfortunately delays can sometimes happen that are beyond your control. If you are know you are going to be late it is good manners to inform people that you are going to be late so they can make alternative arrangements as necessary. However if you are well organised you are less likely to face these kinds of problems as you can allow time for delays.
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.
Indeed conversation is something that needs to be considered carefully. Some people will be more sensitive about religion or politics than others. Indeed any conversation can get heated if not properly handled so always try to bring up subjects carefully and sense the tone.
Another issue with regard to politeness is what you discuss. Certain issues such as politics and religion can be very sensitive and it is best to avoid discussing them with people you do not know as this can often result in a tense atmosphere. If you get to know people this can be easier but it is important to sense the tone when bringing up a conversation topic.
The simplest bit of advice when it comes to politeness is to consider how you would expect to be treated. This should apply to everyone you talk to regardless of whether they are a friend, someone serving you pancakes or the customer service agent who has to deal with a complaint. Generally if you are polite and willing to engage with people they are more likely to do the same with you!
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