A Return to Old-Fashioned Manners
A recently-published article on TrendCentral states that the decline of manners in today’s world has become a national concern. Finally the rudeness that permeates our society is gaining attention from a variety of sectors. From magazines such as Mein, a British online publication, to Hollywood where Warner Brothers is producing a romantic comedy about the life of etiquette queen, Emily Post, to the classroom where manners are being reintroduced into the curriculum; personal and professional behavior is being addressed. Not a minute too soon.
Those of us who speak, write and coach others on business etiquette have declared rudeness to be rampant for some time and have seen the toll it has taken in all aspects of our lives. The article entitled, “Mind Your P’s and Q’s,” questions the reason for this seemingly sudden new emphasis on manners and wonders if texting, cell phones or Social Media might be to blame.
As a business etiquette expert who deals with these issues on a daily basis, I have observed the demise of good manners for more than twenty years. Texting,cell phones, technology and the Internet are not the causes; they are the symptoms. The blame for the lack of courtesy and respect for others goes far deeper. Everyone talks about it, but very few people do anything about it. The general consensus seems to be that bad manners are everybody else’s fault. “I’m okay, but you’re not.”
It is encouraging to see the media taking note and to observe educational institutions playing a role in the revival of good manners. I can only hope that it is not too little too late and that the call for some decorum in our lives will be heard from the classroom to the board room and even at the dinner table.
Hire Lydia to work with your staff to improve customer service and employee relations through the use of those priceless and often over-looked soft skills called manners. Lydia is the “unstuffy” business etiquette expert who helps individuals and organizations add the polish that builds profits. We’re talking about your bottom line here.
Since 1996, countless people have benefited from her wisdom through keynotes, seminars and conference breakout sessions. Her Southern charm and sense of humor have made her a sought-after speaker and consultant.
Based in Savannah, Georgia, Lydia is available for national, regional and local speaking and training engagements. She has suitcase; will travel.
Contact her via email at lydia@lydiaramsey.com or call 912-604-0080. Sign up for her free monthly newsletter and visit her website, lydiaramsey.com.