Being a polite and courteous person makes one a rare individual in today's world. Politeness, and a genuine concern for the rights and feelings of others in our society seems to have slammed the door in our faces. A culture of rudeness has become a feature of modern society. Whether it's loud cellphone conversations, line cutting, or terrible customer service by staff people, finding politeness in the world is on the decline.
You can very easily find people who view politeness and good manners as weakness and as character flaws to be overcome. They argue that rudeness succeeds and common courtesy is a mark of failure. They view rudeness to others as a sign of their superiority as people, and a badge of their status. They couldn't be more wrong. Politeness and common courtesy are more likely to achieve success, in business and in life, than a selfish, bullying attitude.
Whether in your personal relationships with others, or in your company, being polite and well mannered pays off in many ways. In your personal life, remembering special days, holding doors, and displaying good manners in general shows respect for the other person. That respect will almost always be reciprocated by the other person.
Anyone who doesn't recognize good manners and polite behaviour may not be worth your time anyway. Becoming known as a polite and well mannered individual doesn't mean that you are some sort of push over or doormat. Instead, you are displaying respect for yourself and those people with whom you interact on a daily basis.
In business, politeness and good manners will enhance and strengthen your entire organization. Staff, customers, vendors, and anyone doing business with your company will appreciate your courtesy. Instead of missing appointments, failing to live up to your promises and obligations, and engaging in generally rude behaviour, you show respect for the other person and their time.
In a very real sense, good customer service is all about good manners and politeness, and really listening to what people have to day about your products and services. The feedback provided will not only prevent client defection in the here and now, but could also improve current products or help develop new ones.
Word of your genuine concern, for treating others fairly and with respect, will improve your company's public image dramatically. Customers and clients will refer your business to their friends and family, resulting in even more personal referrals. Good old fashioned word of mouth advertising, through testimonials from satisfied customers is a powerful marketing tool. Everyone wants to be treated with respect, and in the modern decline of manners, your business politeness will shine like a beacon in the darkness.
Contrary to the criticism that good manners are a display of weakness, polite and respectful actions are a sign of self confidence. They are also recognition that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Instead of taking their money and running, missing their appointments, or barging past them in lineups, you are showing you value their time and rights, as well your own.
In a world where good manners are in steep decline, your polite actions will help you to stand out. You definitely won't be seen as a doormat. There is a huge difference between providing service and being subservient. Service implies an equal respect for yourself and others. Being subservient is based on a lack of self respect, and has nothing to do with being polite.
Show your respect for yourself and others. Display your good manners today.
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