Manners maketh the man and woman? Is that still true in today's workplace?
Author:
Gavin McGrath
by Gavin McGrath
If we all lived like Jim Carey's initial character in the film, 'The Truman Show', life would by idyllic. We'd know all our neighbours names, have time everyday for 'catch-up' chat with work colleagues over coffee, never appear frazzled and have a friendly smile for everyone - but that's not realistic!
Everyday pressures, stress, deadlines and personal issues mean that there are days when any and all social interaction is forgotten. We can't chat while grabbing a cup of coffee, we pass people quickly on the corridor, give snap responses or send abrupt emails, simply because we don't have the time to adhere to social etiquette. But is that acceptable?
For a nation that is acclaimed internationally for its friendliness, are we losing our manners, civility and politeness? And, are these losses affecting business?
Without doubt the answer is a resounding 'YES'.
Multiple studies have shown that tough work relationships, disagreements and bad manners deflate work morale faster than anything else. This naturally affects productivity internally and in some cases can navigate into rude behaviour with customers that can only be detrimental to business success.
By contrast, good manners craft a more enjoyable working environment in which people work better and interact more positively. It makes sense, then, that working to strengthen relationships can do wonders for productivity in the workplace.
As a result company management should take action to make sure that a company's culture doesn't permanently shift to one that accommodates and accepts bad manners.
But what constitutes bad manners at work? Try the quick survey (opposite) to test your rudeness!
If you've answered YES to any of the broad questions above you have demonstrated rudeness in the workplace. But all is not lost, early intervention is important for keeping rudeness at bay and each of us has the power to play our own part.
The golden rule is to 'treat others as you would like to be treated'.
A few more ‘pleases’ and ‘thank you's’ won't eliminate workplace incivility but if everyone was at least conscious of trying to obey this rule, we'd have a much more civil workplace.
To be more civil in the workplace, return messages promptly, be on time and prepared for meetings, don't use your mobile (or laptop) while in meetings, clean up after yourself in the kitchen, and even make an extra pot of coffee if you take the last cup.
Give credit where credit is due if someone has helped you on a project, respect other people's time and mind your manners even in instances when you know the other person isn't minding his or hers.
Look for the good in the people who frustrate you the most. It isn't necessary to like all your co-workers, but it is necessary to treat everyone with respect. The best way to respect someone is to discover their strengths, skills, or contributions; then, focus on those instead of what you don't like. The more you can recognise a person's good qualities, the easier it is to show them genuine respect.
Additionally, studies show that the No. 1 motivator for most employees is feeling appreciated. And, while that recognition can and should come from managers, every employee should make it a priority to say 'thanks' more often.
In conclusion, the important thing to remember is that while rude behaviour and bad manners happen every day in many businesses, we don't have to accept it or prescribe to it. Bad behaviour creates a poor work environment that demotivates staff and leads to customers 'voting with their feet' as they find an alternative supplier.
To combat this phenomenon, company management should take action to communicate that bad or rude behaviour within the workplace is unacceptable. On a personal level, each of us can also take responsibility for our own actions.
So, take an honest look at your business and ask yourself if there is room for improvement in this area. It's an easy and inexpensive way to make your employees happier and keep customers coming back for more.
TEST YOUR RUDENESS!
Have you ever done any of the following?
1) Answered your mobile during a meeting, or used SMS while in a meeting?
2) Left the copier knowingly jammed and walked away?
3) Ate without permission someone else's food or beverages in the shared fridge?
4) Purposely not greeted or acknowledged someone at work?
5) Took the last cup of coffee without making more?
6) Omitted publicly giving credit to a colleague on a project?
7) Shouted or snapped at a co-worker or superior?
8) Stood over a co-worker who was on the phone?
9) Let people walk into the middle of a scheduled meeting in order to talk with you?
Gavin McGrath works with Sigmar Recruitment