High-tech charm school
Cindy on September 3rd, 2008
Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use. ~Emily Post
Is it impolite to chat on your cell while grocery shopping or dining alone in a restaurant? How long should you tolerate being on hold for “call waiting”? How much personal information is appropriate to publish in a blog? How quickly should you respond to business-related e-mail? Is it rude to check your PDA while visiting friends?
For a while there, I was beginning to wonder if any of this even mattered to anyone — or if common courtesy had gone the way of the manual typewriter. So I was relieved to pick up the September issue of Real Simple, which features an essential crash course in tech etiquette. Seven experts in business and social etiquette offer their sage advice throughout the piece. The good news: We can be plugged in without being rude — and it’s never too late to mend our boorish ways. — CL
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I will look for this issue and read the article. I do wonder sometimes why people can’t put down their cell phone or stop pecking on their blackberry for just a moment. I have stopped talking to people who can’t look up from what they’re doing and make eye contact.
September 5th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
I was looking at this issue of Real Simple while on jury duty a few weeks ago. A few hours later, I was talking with a fellow juror-in-waiting who works in HR and she was bemoaning the lack of common sense etiquette among her employees. Her point was no one has taught Generation X and subsequent groups basic manners. I gave her the article to take with her, so she could use it back at the office.
September 5th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Great point, Elaine. I have also noticed a lack of manners — generally speaking, not just in terms of cell phone use and e-mail. I notice fewer people (of any age) remembering to send a thank-you note for gifts, meals, etc. Fewer people apologize when they make mistakes on the job, or hurt others.
Those people who do remember the small social courtesies, like sending thank-you notes, stand out as exceptional people. I believe people who have social skills reap more benefits in business as well as personal relationships. My son went to a parochial school and was made to write thank-you notes to teachers, guest speakers, and parents who came to help at school or assist in any way. This practice has served him well as a young adult.
– Cindy La Ferle