via Forbes: 27 Etiquette Rules For Our Times

Article published by Forbes, written by Rob Asghar. 

In a world where technology is constantly changing, and how we communicate is evolving – it’s hard to know what’s right versus wrong. In times like ours, the tendency is to tilt too far toward our instincts, since conventions and forms of communication are changing so fast. There’s a risk in that. You don’t know who you may be offending or how you might be sabotaging your own success.

The original etiquette manuals of Western civilization were, in fact, medieval success manuals. They taught the knights and nobles how to conduct themselves in the court of the king – which is where we get the concept of “courtly” and “courtesy”.

Forbes recently published an updated Courtesy Manual for 2014. Here are 27 rules to help you, whether at an office lunch, a company gym or the birthday party of your child’s schoolmate.

A commonly shared trait among all the rules is to think about other people’s feelings first. Life is not all about maximizing your personal convenience.

1. Texting “Hey, I’m running late by 20 minutes” is not as acceptable as making an effort to be on time.

2. If you can’t attend an event that you’re formally invited to, don’t think that not RSVPing is the same as declining. And don’t RSVP at the last minute for an event that involves real planning by the host.

3. Show some decency around the office refrigerator: If you don’t put the food in, don’t eat it. And take your leftovers home or throw them out before they morph into something alive that your colleagues will find later.

4. When speaking on your cell phone, do not scream. Remember your inside voice. Just because you can’t hear the other person doesn’t mean the other person can’t hear you.

5. If you are at a dinner party, turn off your phone. At bare minimum, turn off the ringer so you can text and conspire in relative stealth.

6. If you feel the need to respond to every incoming text, you’ll lose more in the eyes of the person in front of you than you’ll gain from the unseen people who are benefiting from your efficiency.

7. At Starbucks, don’t tell the barista to wait while your wrap your phone discussion. The barista will hate you, and so will the other 50 people waiting behind you.

8. If you come late to an exercise class, don’t think you are entitled to barge your way into your favourite spot in the front. Don’t block others from weight racks or other equipment. Step back three feet and make everyone happy.

9. Keep personal conversations and arguments off social networking sites. They do not belong in this medium.

10. Moderate your use of cameras and video at events. Enjoy your time with colleagues, friends and family. It’s great to take a couple of pictures for a memento, however do not go overboard.

11. Remember how easily e-gossip can be forwarded to the wrong person. Be cautious about what you put in writing.

12. Just because you’re wearing headphones doesn’t mean you can tune out from social courtesies. If you accidentally cross someone’s personal space, apologize graciously.

13. Don’t lend someone a book or item unless they specifically ask for it. They’ll probably be too busy to ever get around to it. They’ll feel guilty about it, and you’ll be annoyed they didn’t appreciate it.

14. Don’t RSVP for an event, then not show. You’re being rude.

15. Don’t be the first or second person to talk on your cell phone in a public space (like bus or train). If everyone’s doing it, you’re allowed some slack here.

16. Don’t show up at a party empty-handed, unless you’ve been instructed to. Bring wine or dessert or a plant.

17. Use your turn signal at least 50% more than you use your middle finger.

18. Don’t make your dietary requirements everyone else’s problem.

19. If your children are invited to a friend’s house to play (and you), they should also feel invited to help with the cleanup.

20. Don’t break up with someone by text. And don’t announce a death in the family by text. There are still times when phones or face-to-face are the best ways to go.

21. Don’t take photos for posting on the People of Walmart page.

22. Don’t  discuss personal sensitive issues on Facebook  – especially if you’ve friended coworkers.

23. You’re dog is cute, but she or he doesn’t have a pass to go anywhere. Before you bring your puppy to a friend’s house or to an office party, ensure that this is alright first. Make no assumptions.

24. Double-check that your headphones are plugged-in before streaming your favorite Songza channel.

25. Don’t say, “I’m having a party. Bring your own food and drink.” That’s not a party.

26. If you’ve been invited to an event, be reluctant to ask for an upper ceiling on how many friends and relatives you can bring.

27. And finally – all the classics still apply. One working mother offers a quick review here:

“Chew with your mouth closed; don’t talk with food in your mouth; keep your elbows off the table while eating; wash your hands after going to the restroom. My children know My children know better—so why do I see adults exhibiting such poor behavior? If you bump into someone, say excuse me. Don’t reach across someone’s face. Don’t board a plane when they’re loading group A and you are in group D. Don’t stay behind the crosswalk when you are making a left turn and thus prevent anyone else behind you from turning. Don’t let your kids act like wild monkeys in a restaurant. Don’t touch someone’s belly when she’s pregnant–or even when she isn’t. Don’t leave cupboard doors and drawers open—someone can get hurt. And don’t pull up to the exit gate in a parking lot without your ticket handy.” 

Be polite, people. C’mon. 

—-

Please feel free to share your thoughts about this! 

 Looking to recruit or for a career change? Do not hesitate to reach out to us either on talgroup.net, in person at our head office, or by phone (+1 416 599 1825). One of our recruiting experts would be happy to begin planning your recruitment campaign for you.

Source: Business Week

Source: Forbes