EPISODE 5 (50) MINDING MANNERS: “Please” and “thank you” could be your secret weapon

Andrew points out in this episode that informality now runs rampant in many organisations. So perhaps it’s better to abandon “please and thanks” and concentrate on essentials? 

No, argues Andrew.  Good manners at work continue to matter.  Failure to show them can still harm your chance of success. They’re essential social skills to convey important messages. Without them, it's harder to form or maintain relationships, collaborate with others, or behave civilly. 

Manners still count when you’re interviewing for a job, talking with your boss, or interacting with customers. They count even when there’s no special occasion. 

Examples of bad manners at work include: 

Direct rudeness

• Ignoring a colleague talking to you
• Using your phone while someone talks to you
• Interrupting when others are speaking
• Treating a disabled or disadvantaged person in an uncaring or insensitive way

Most senior executives and managers surveyed feel that good manners matter when advancing a person’s career. 

Begin by tweaking your behaviour suggests Andrew, so that you deliver regular small acts of showing respect and gratitude.  These build your confidence, influence and effectiveness and produce significant returns. 

Commitment to civility can cascade rapidly throughout an entire organisation with benefits to all. 

You can help make it happen, and along the way build your chances of success. 

You'll also learn how to obtain the relevant e-learning mobile unit to consolidate your learning further.

All 50 Ways podcasts end with three actions you can take today to do better.

Can't wait for Series 2 to run its course? Then buy Andrew's new book, published on Amazon, and there's also an Audio version.

Further reading and videos: Andrew recommends some useful follow-through material which you can find for each episode at

www.myhappinessatwork.com/reading/categories/research-reading

and

www.myhappinessatwork.com/watch.

BOOK:
The 50 Ways to Succeed at Work book is a standalone companion to Andrew Leigh's weekly podcasts.
It's an essential resource for all job starters and those at work for a few years.
Dip in and out and take what seems helpful.

www.myhappinessatwork.com/book