Etiquette is essential. It is for every person from the smallest toddler, who, when presented with a cookie is asked, “What do you say?” to the most seasoned executive, who must navigate through a networking event or a business dining experience. Knowing the dos and don’t and projecting confidence in any given situation leads to the formation of mutually satisfying relationships or being rejected.
The original French word, Étiquets, literally means “keep off the grass.” Later it came to mean “little ticket” or “little sign,” which was instituted by King Louis XIV’s gardeners. Signs were posted warn guests not to trample the elaborate landscapes he created. The concept eventually evolved into tickets issued, at the Kings edict, to provide access to certain areas and provide the rules of palace behavior. Even then, following the rules made the difference between being in the “in crowd” and being a social pariah.
Today is not much different. Impeccable manners is still a sign of good upbringing, creates a competitive edge, is evidence of respect of self and others and portrays a sense of confidence. It is more than knowing which fork to use. It ultimately comes down to putting people at ease because you are at ease.
Don’t think people don’t notice bad manners, either. People are getting fed up with rudeness. We live in a global society that brings political correctness and cultural sensitivity to the forefront. Another factor, technology saves time but often makes contact impersonal.
The decline in basic human kindness and interaction is seen in our youth, in the workplace and within the public at large. We are seeing higher demands for the return to basic social graces being decried from the classroom to the boardroom and other rooms in between. We can begin by following the “Golden Rule” of treating others the way we wish to be treated. It really is that simple.
The original French word, Étiquets, literally means “keep off the grass.” Later it came to mean “little ticket” or “little sign,” which was instituted by King Louis XIV’s gardeners. Signs were posted warn guests not to trample the elaborate landscapes he created. The concept eventually evolved into tickets issued, at the Kings edict, to provide access to certain areas and provide the rules of palace behavior. Even then, following the rules made the difference between being in the “in crowd” and being a social pariah.
Today is not much different. Impeccable manners is still a sign of good upbringing, creates a competitive edge, is evidence of respect of self and others and portrays a sense of confidence. It is more than knowing which fork to use. It ultimately comes down to putting people at ease because you are at ease.
Don’t think people don’t notice bad manners, either. People are getting fed up with rudeness. We live in a global society that brings political correctness and cultural sensitivity to the forefront. Another factor, technology saves time but often makes contact impersonal.
The decline in basic human kindness and interaction is seen in our youth, in the workplace and within the public at large. We are seeing higher demands for the return to basic social graces being decried from the classroom to the boardroom and other rooms in between. We can begin by following the “Golden Rule” of treating others the way we wish to be treated. It really is that simple.
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