Friday, December 30, 2011

Know Your Business Etiquette in 2012: Introduction

The other day I was reading the Reader's Digest, where I always find fun jokes, interesting stories, and good advice.  As it so happened, I also found the inspiration for this blog series.

I came across an article on modern day manners.  The first part of the article explored why we behave the way we do in the 21st Century.  Things have changed, like
the role models we see on television.  TV used to be filled with moral dilemmas solved in 30 minutes or less, and almost always reflecting that the moral high ground wins every time.  Over the years we were exposed to such positive role models as The Beav in Leave it to Beaver, Jim Anderson in Father Knows Best, Cliff Huxtable in The Cosby Show, and more.

These role models have been replaced by Reality TV "stars."  As the Reader's Digest article points out, "Reality Shows are a great example of how NOT to act." Instead of Leave it to Beaver, we've got the Bad Girls Club.  These girls are more proficient in using their attitudes to make matters worse than in solving their dilemmas using their morals.  Let's just say, if one of these girls were knick-named The Beav, it would take on a whole new meaning.

At any rate, the second part of the article looks at 50 manners that we should be living by in the 21st Century.  I found some of them right on, and others...not so much.  It all got me thinking...are there steadfast rules of etiquette anymore?  Have we, as a society, become so into trends like "authenticity" and "transparency" that we're neglecting common courtesy?

What do you think?  Are there rules to live by that make the world a better place?  Or should we simply be all-accepting of "authenticity," even when it means making other people feel awkward?

Let me know your thoughts.  This is the first in a series.  Since this blog is about Business Relationships and Knowing Your Place in the market, I thought it was an appropriate venue to look at Business and Entrepreneur Etiquette...one standard at a time.  So tell me...what is one area of business etiquette that you think needs to be addressed?

 Until Next Time, Jacki

2 comments:

Ken Scheer said...

As far as business etiquette goes, I feel businesses and individuals need to learn the importance of following through on promises and ways to stay in touch with their clients on a more regular basis. Hope this helps and great blog!

Jacki Semerau Tait said...

Thanks Ken! I agree, follow through is extremely important. In the fast paced, over-worked, under-staffed, and under-funded current world of business, this becomes a truly difficult thing to accomplish. Having great systems in place make a world of difference! I'll make sure I touch on this in an upcoming post in this series.