One
of the greatest victories you can gain over someone is to beat him at
politeness. - Josh
Billings
No … not power .. purpose .. potential. Not the words you
would generally think about.
But rather --- Politeness. The big “P” word ….
I am compelled to write about politeness again, given what
we are witnessing in Washington, DC where our “leaders” have failed to lead and
the consequences – no matter what side you are on – will be extremely damaging.
I have also witnessed – and it seems more frequent – where in daily
interactions or communications – politeness and civility seem to have eroded,
and it is so prevalent in the workplace! Rudeness, disrespect – you name it –
it is part of work today.
People appear angry. They drive aggressively. We experience
terrible customer service. Co-workers give curt answers – or don’t
communicate at all. People don’t return phone calls. Don’t answer emails. There
is little thanks for a job well done – for doing something special – for going
out of one’s way. The value our prior generations taught and practiced every
day - and drilled into our brain as the only way to conduct yourself -
appear lost.
Being polite to others is respectful, brings a smile to your
face, shows others you care, and is critical to your personal &
professional brand – and that is so important in career matters. One known
to be polite and respectful will go far; one known as not polite, angry, disrespectful,
curt - well, their growth is more difficult – and they become more angry and
disconnected.
Just using the two most powerful words we know – Please
and Thank You – is the beginning. A smile when engaging someone else, a
touch if appropriate – that can melt the most difficult person. Slowing down on
the road. Being respectful in returning calls, emails or other communications
--- that is just being smart and doing the right thing.
About your brand …
People like to work with people they like and enjoy being
around. Those who have lost the art of politeness, appear angry or uncaring,
are not the ones we strive to work with. In hiring and promoting, it is
certainly a black mark on potential. Your personal brand – that tool that
defines who you are --- is powerful. Many spend years building their brand
through experience, accomplishments, relationships and connections – and then
blow it by shunning the “basics” – politeness, respect and caring. One you put
a black mark on your brand, it is so difficult and a climb to change it. It
becomes part of your reputation, a reputation you would rather not have.
Practice “P” today …
Commit to being polite to others, to losing that pent up
anger that is so harmful and so discouraging to see in many today in our
country. If angry, find out why – and then change it. Treat others with
respect. Learn to smile again, Be caring.
If we all got this calling, we would see change in our life,
career, business and as a nation and world. You can start it right now – just
smile and send a note or an email (that’s simple!) to someone – and thank
them thank them for something – or just say hello.
And thank you for reading this. - Dan
Dan
Moran
President
& Founder
Next-Act,
Division of DVG, Inc.
Career
Management & Transition Specialists
Corporate
Management Services
Celebrating
25 years providing career & corporate management services in 2013!
125
Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany,
NY 12205
Phone:
518-641-8968 dmoran@next-act.com
Visit the Assessment Center: next-act.com/assessment-center.cfm
Manage Performance & Achievement: next-act.com/prescriptive-performance-analysis.cfm
Accept
... Commit ... Permit ... Then Achieve!
