The term etiquette can sound quaint and old fashioned. However in the modern world manners are more important than ever. With more forms of technology there are more potential ways you could offend people. Therefore it is vital to be aware of basic manners and etiquette.
The first and simplest thing to do is to remember to say please and thank you. While this is something we should always strive to do this is not always simple. For example if you have had a problem with your phone and you need to phone up the customer service helpline your patience can often be tested.
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.
One recent change in etiquette is the issue of holding the door open for people. There was a time when it was men who were supposed to do this for women. Some women can find this patronising. A better alternative is to hold the door for anyone who needs it, especially if they are infirm or are carrying a lot of items.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
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 complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
One of the simplest ways to be polite to people is to remember the golden rule of treating others how you would wish to be treated. Whether someone is a potential investor or serving you drinks they are still someone who should be treated with respect. It may sound simple but being able to be polite will generally help you be more accepted with people than trying too hard to be assertive or show off.
The first and simplest thing to do is to remember to say please and thank you. While this is something we should always strive to do this is not always simple. For example if you have had a problem with your phone and you need to phone up the customer service helpline your patience can often be tested.
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.
One recent change in etiquette is the issue of holding the door open for people. There was a time when it was men who were supposed to do this for women. Some women can find this patronising. A better alternative is to hold the door for anyone who needs it, especially if they are infirm or are carrying a lot of items.
With the rise of the internet there is also the issue of internet etiquette. The additional anonymity and the ability to quickly post messages can often lead to insensitivity and conversations that could be misinterpreted. A good rule is that anything you would not say to someone face to face should not be posted online.
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 complication is that some actions that were previously considered polite can be considered patronising now. A good example is opening doors. Some women can find patronising if you open doors just for them. A better approach is to open doors for everyone as this is just general politeness.
One of the simplest ways to be polite to people is to remember the golden rule of treating others how you would wish to be treated. Whether someone is a potential investor or serving you drinks they are still someone who should be treated with respect. It may sound simple but being able to be polite will generally help you be more accepted with people than trying too hard to be assertive or show off.
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