?Thank You? is such a beautiful phrase. When you say,
thank you, it makes a world of difference. Recent research
suggests that discourtesy in the workplace is rapidly becoming
an increasing dilemma for businesses and organizations.
Workplace incivility is growing, including an increase in bad
manners, rudeness, coarseness, vulgarity, and a lack of respect.
In 1999, researchers Pearson, Andersson, and Porath at The
University of North Carolina Business School determined that
incivility in the workplace can impact company profits due to
lost productivity and employee turnover. Their studies indicated
the significance of this impact as follows: people who
experience rude behavior on the job quit their jobs (12%), lose
work time (52%), and deliberately decrease their work effort
(22%). However the most disturbing result was that over 78% of
those surveyed said that this kind of behavior has worsened in
the past decade.
Why Say, ?Thank You??
- It demonstrates that you value courtesy and good
manners. Saying thank you for something you have received,
no matter how small is a great way to communicate. It shows
understanding and encourages a positive reception and
acceptance.
- It promotes good health and a successful lifestyle.
Extending common courtesy to others demonstrates maturity and a
healthy self-esteem.
- It is fundamental to strong interpersonal relationships
and in building rapport. It really doesn?t take much to be
cordial to others by saying please and thank you as you carry
out business and job responsibilities.
How to Form a Thank You Habit
- Learn and practice proper work etiquette. Get
back to basics and focus on how you can make your workplace a
more pleasant environment for all?bosses, workers, and
customers. Acknowledge in some way each person you meet even if
it is only with eye contact, a nod or smile.
- Concentrate on creating pleasant and agreeable
experiences for everyone who interacts with you. Be gracious
and considerate. Watch for uncivil behavior. Every day you are
presented with situations that allow you to show common courtesy
and consideration to others. Be proactive and take advantage of
every opportunity to be cordial.
- Minimize any ?It?s-All-About-Me? tendencies. Instead
?Do unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You? by
displaying empathy and finding opportunities to increase your
connection. Remember how it feels when someone insults you or is
rude to you. Think about what you can do to improve civility in
your work unit, team or department. Then, just do it!
- Be sincere and genuine. Your efforts must be honest
and heartfelt. Being courteous comes not from your head but from
your heart. If your actions do not match your words, then your
efforts will be in vain.
Never underestimate the power of a Thank You! Take time to
acknowledge and extend courtesy to someone today!
About the author:
Althea DeBrule, entrepreneur & seasoned human resources
executive, has helped people achieve their career goals for more
than 30 years. She is recognized for her bottom line and
practical application of career transition & development
strategies in a way that compels action. To discover how Althea
can help you take your career to a new level, visit http://www.extreme
-career-makeover.com/
|
