Best Practices for Social Etiquette - The Easy Stuff

As I travel and interact with a wide variety of people, I can't help but notice so many really easy things that people can clean up that could radically improve their social acceptance... and elevate their image. This could open doors for them and improve their lives.

Let's create a list for improvements that are largely free and quick to implement. I'll kick us off.

1. Don't smell bad ever. Use deodorant always and shower in the mornings or after a workout or day at the field/factory.
2. Never have bad breath ever. In a similar vein, give people adequate social distance when communicating with them. Don't be a close talker.
3. Hold yourself to a high standard on your public image. Comb or style your hair when you are in public at all times. Wear nicer clothing or at least clean/fresh clothing that looks presentable no matter where you are. Obviously never expose your underwear in public -- this is an image destroyer -- I see it frequently.
4. Eat with your mouth closed and by making as little noise as possible. I know in China eating loudly and with your mouth open can be a signal to the host that you are enjoying the food. It does not mean that in North America. It's bad manners.
5. If you drive an Uber or are driving friends, for the love of God please don't make the guest ask to turn on the AC. And roll up the windows to avoid messing up people's hair in the backseat.
6. Do not interrupt people and avoid talking only about yourself. Take a genuine interest in the other person... and never interrupt their story by re-directing the discussion about yourself. Encourage people and be sincere and genuine in celebrating their successes. Avoid one-upping.
7. Greetings and exits are important -- be warm and gracious with both. Shake hands firmly and while making eye contact.
8. Put your phone away when interacting with people.
9. No third party or person wants to listen to your phone call or music -- ever. Be mindful of the volume of both when surrounded by others... especially when it's a captive audience like in an elevator or on a plane.


What additional contributions do you have?


GOOD DAY

 

No, but interesting comment. I might like the Japanese culture -- and I do utilize some of their operational excellence techniques in my maquiladoras.



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Yes, when the subordinate interrupts, that's unacceptable. I often interrupt people because they are taking too long to make their point or the value of the content is not worth the value of my time. My experience is that most leaders must do this in order to balance the demands on their time and also to train their people to organize their thoughts and be more succinct in communications.

GOOD DAY