by Frances Meupe

Created on: August 30, 2009

One of the first things we are taught as children is to to have good manners. At some point during the transition from childhood to adult, those lessons were forgotten or ignored. Politeness has been replaced by rudeness. Rude and ill mannered people can cause discordance in the work place.

Some people start their work day off being ill mannered. They arrive at work, look you straight in the face and will not open their mouth to speak. If they don't want to say good morning, a simple nod and smile might suffice. If this describes you, quit being a sour puss. Greet your co-workers when you walk into a room.

Remember to say please and don't forget to say thank you. It is just common courtesy to say please when you ask someone to do something for you. And say thank you after it's done. Saying thank you expresses your gratitude and makes a person feel appreciated. And more than likely, people won't mind doing things for you when you thank them.

It is ill mannered to whisper in someone's ear or abruptly stop a conversation when a co-worker shows up. If you are whispering you are probably repeating gossip. If you stop a conversation abruptly you were undoubtedly talking about the co-worker and that person knows it. A strong person can handle your lapse in judgement. However, such a scene can wreak havoc on a person with low self-esteem. Refrain from such unprofessional behavior.

It is also bad manners to butt into a conversation. If it is an "A" and "B" conversation, that means "C" was not invited. Keep your opinions to yourself unless asked. Don't get perturbed if someone tells you to mind your own business. Equally as bad is to repeatedly cut a person off who is talking. That denotes that you think what you have to say is more important to say than the person who is speaking. And if you have to interupt a conversation, say "excuse me" first.

At your workplace, do you have to line up or form a line for something - such as in the cafeteria or lunch room? Maybe you have to stand in line to get your pay check. Don't try to skip places to move ahead in line. You were taught this in grade school. It's childish behavior. Stay in your rightful place. You would not want anyone to skip ahead of you.

Good manners is simply being polite and considerate. Practice it everyday. It will enhance your workplace experience.

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