Much is written about the lack of civility that is so prevalent in the workplace. Missing from many workplaces are the basics that we were taught as children, such as the words: "Please and Thank You."
We see the evidence when people become frustrated, disillusioned, and fed up with the lack of common courtesies that make us a civilized group of beings. We see the lack of civility when others cut in front of us, with no acknowledgement of our presence, and in parking lots when someone takes the parking space for which we have clearly been waiting.
Some of you may recall a scene from the movie, "PFried Green Tomatoes"P where the main character has her parking space taken by a sassy young woman. When assertively confronted by the older woman about her actions, the younger woman retorted, "PThat is what happens when you are younger and faster"P as she smugly walked across the parking lot.
The older woman then backed up her bigger car and rammed it into the younger woman's compact car several times. When the young woman screamed at her, the older woman replied, "PThat is what happens when you are older and have lots of insurance."P
Our failure to speak and act in a manner that demonstrates our respect for others, and their rights, may cause them to feel insignificant. Each of us wants to feel appreciated by others. Lack of respect from others can make us feel even more invisible that we may already feel in our busy society.
So what is the source of this problem? The causes are many (perhaps because of the values acquired as children or because of a lack of respect for ourselves), but the solution is simple...
- Think Before You Speak
- Make Eye Contact With Others
- Say, "Please and Thank You"
- Respect Others
Our lives may be very busy and our time seemingly in short supply. However, kindness and consideration has a way of saying to each of us... You matter!
This week, make it a practice (and a habit) of saying the magic words... "Please and Thank You"P to each person you encounter, and watch as the distance between us... disappears.
Affirmation:
"I speak often the magic words, "please and thank you." I am a magician that can wave the wand of kindness and respect over any tense situation and change it into a civilized one."
Thanks to Mary Rau-Foster
