Practice Courtesy
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Common courtesy is becoming less common every day and that’s not good. To quote the a Proverb “Be courteous.....that you may inherit a blessing.” I for one am looking forward to a year of blessings in 2009.
The younger people entering the work force in the last few years seem to be missing some of these basic courtesies. We are in such a hurry these days that taking the time to be courteous has slipped through the cracks.
Here are ten “not-so-common” courtesies you should work on every day, and teach your children and associates. After all, if they don’t learn common courtesy from you, where are they going to learn it?
- Go out of your way to speak to people. “Pleasant words are healing” another Proverb.
- Try to remember their names – it shows you value them.
- Smile - it increases your “face value”.
- Be friendly and helpful. If you do, people will return it.
- Show genuine interest. You can find something good in almost anybody, if you try.
- Be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism.
- Be slow to judge. There are three sides to every story – your side, their side, the right side.
- Instead of “using” others, serve them.
- Start trusting people – it builds lasting relationships.
- Be humble.
Courtesy does two things – (a) it speaks well of your parents and (b) it determines your level of blessing.
As an owner of my own business, Build Your Referrals, these 10 common courtesies hit home with me. I have actually integrated them into my business plan for 2009. I am a firm believer in the “givers gain” philosophy. For more ideas on increasing the number of referrals you receive, visit www.BuildYourReferrals.com
Merry Christmas – and give someone a smile today.
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Comments
Great advice Sue. As for sharing it with our children, I think the best way is to model the behavior and act this way ourselves. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
I love that you have worked these into your business plan. Many people could learn from you, I think! The common courtesies you mention are very important in being happy in our day to day lives. If we lead by example others may follow.
Theresa Mayhew says:
13 months ago
Dear Sue,
You've written a must read article for anyone . . . whether in business or as an employee. It's easy to fall into a rut of just looking out for yourself and I think that's what has happened to many people.
If we remember that helping others will have it's own reward we'd all be better for it. Thank you for contributing value material. It reminds me of the message from the book "How To Win Friends and Influence People".
Wishing you happy holidays and blessed new year,
Theresa