Etiquette Advice for Beginners to Experts
This article was first posted on Mentor Motivations
What is etiquette, and is it long past? Etiquette is something for our good. It’s like how we put on deodorant in the morning.
Etiquette, like many other things in life — whether you were raised by wolves or with solid family values — your sense of decency will be different from everyone else’s; what creates a day for one person can completely ruin another’s day. Etiquette is about how we treat each other socially, professionally, and practically as well. So it’s important to remember the golden rule: Treat others as you would like to be treated. It does not have to be complicated or confusing. There are rules of etiquette that can help you become a more considerate person, but the most important rule is to remember how you would feel in response to both positive and negative actions.
Good manners have much to do with emotions. To make them ring true, one must feel them, not merely exhibit them.
― Amy Vanderbilt
Take a look at six best practices:
1) Be punctual. Being late not only shows disrespect toward others, but it denotes unprofessionalism as well. Showing up early ensures smooth sailing because no one has to wait around, nor do they have to make plans based on you being tardy. Think of it this way: by arriving at a meeting 10 minutes early and sitting down on your phone, you’re already late. Not only do you risk further racking up lateness points by appearing disinterested and rude, but it also wastes everyone else’s time.
2) Show empathy. Treating someone with kindness and understanding isn’t just about being polite — it’s about showing respect for their feelings as well as giving them the benefit of the doubt when necessary. Holding doors open for people or letting them go ahead in line — those are friendly gestures, but they don’t consider why others may be struggling to keep up. If someone has a stroller, is walking with crutches or heavy bags or if they appear visibly upset — help them out by asking if you can assist or by offering them a seat on the bus. Even just saying hello to someone who looks lonely is enough to brighten their day too.
3) Think before speaking. Make sure your words speak to your intent and that they say what you intended them to. Think of any disagreements as a chance for growth and focus on the outcome rather than the initial reaction, which could be somewhat negative, no matter how unintentional it may be. Be willing to listen before jumping to conclusions or getting into an argument.
4) Give compliments. Kindness is contagious, so pass it on! Be genuine with your words of kindness because nothing makes someone feel good about themselves more than being recognized for their hard work or talents — no matter how big or small they are. Not only will the person receiving the compliment feel appreciated, but you’ll also be starting a positive cycle that could go on forever. Just note that giving false flattery isn’t considered friendly either-even if it appears well-meaning at first glance. Plus, everyone knows when they’re being fussed over to gain something in return rather than out of pure generosity, which only devalues the praise overall, so keep everything honest and genuine!
5) Acknowledge others. Being polite isn’t just about being kind to those directly in front of you; it’s about making sure that everyone has a chance to join the fun, too — including those who may not be as outgoing or confident as you are. Be open and welcoming by creating opportunities for others to speak up and contribute positively rather than shutting them down because they’re shy. Everyone loves feeling involved, so be proactive about including people whenever possible!
6) Be selfless. It’s easier said than done but try your best not to let yourself come first all of the time — especially over those who count on you. This doesn’t mean preceding your needs; however, it means recognizing others’ wants and catering to them when appropriate. Please don’t beat yourself up about it either or feel guilty for putting your needs first before you can do so. It’s okay to put yourself first every once in a while — keep these things in mind when you do:
All this said, what matters most is being genuinely polite.
Remember that the rules of etiquette are ultimately guidelines, not commandments. If you’re kind, try to be helpful, and pay attention, then you’ll be fine.
Obvious things like opening doors and saying please and thank you may be common sense to some, but many people forget these little courtesies, making life more difficult for everyone involved. Whether rude or just plain considerate, following a few basic guidelines goes a long way into making the world a better place — one small step at a time.
Let me know what you think and any other great tips to share in the comments below.
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This has been “Etiquette Advice for Beginners to Experts” I hope you have enjoyed it.
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About the Author
I’m a husband and father of two, who goes about life with a glass-half-full mindset. I love writing about the various aspects of work-life balance and how they play a role in empowering others.
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