Bill Nelson

It has been an interesting few weeks in that I have not been in and around the office to much. A lot of travel invariably equates to a lot of interaction, which is always good.

During some of these interactions the discussion has, for numerous reason turned to the area of organisational performance and how much of that performance is reliant upon the people within and around the organisation.

Recently during some workshops I facilitated, discussion turned to what are some of the things that should be there, but aren't, in regard to people and how they act or do what they do.

Apart from the industry specific stuff, the orientation of the discussion was soon focussed on the areas of courtesy, politeness and manners and their ongoing decline in todays society.

Simple things, that in the past were just done because that is what you did, now seem like something that is not that important.

Here are a few of the areas that were raised:

Make eye contact when you speak

When someone lets you change lanes, wave and acknowledge the gesture

When your kids run into someone, ask them to apologise to the person they have just ran into

Take your turn

Don't butt into conversations

Shake hands firmly and look the person in the eye as you do

Keep your voice down. Not everyone wants to be involved in your conversations

Be on time

If you must answer an important phone call whilst already having a conversation, ask the person you are talking to if they would mind you answering the call and excuse yourself

Pick up after yourself

Say please and thank you (as well as any other good manners)

Don't answer or speak on your mobile phone whilst ordering something or standing in line

Take responsibility for your own actions

When somebody greets you saying 'how are you?', don't just reply. As them how they are as well

When in a meeting make sure the person you are meeting with has your undivided attention

Treat people with respect

When walking in or out of a building, hold the door open for someone else entering or leaving (regardless of age)

When you do not hear what someone has said to you, or someone is calling your name, never reply with 'what?'

When some one speaks make the effort to actually listen to what they are saying

Show some courtesy to others in your rush to get off a plane

Take the time to realise and understand when someone is actually trying to help you

As you can see these are just common everyday things that if we all did would make such a huge improvement to the society in which we live.

So please if you read this, take it upon yourself to start doing these things and encourage others to do the same, and watch the difference it will make.

The Journey Continues!