Contact Person: Deanna L. Tribe District Specialist, Community Development Ohio State University Extension, South District 017 Standpipe Road, P.O. Box 958 Jackson, OH 45640 Presenters: Deanna L. Tribe Jackson, OH
Conference Objective:
This presentation relates to Concurrent Session Objective #3: Strive to look at the "whole" person in terms of wellness and job performance.
Abstract:
Practicing the golden rule of good manners or courtesy by which we treat others as we ourselves would like to be treated used to be more commonplace than it is today. Not only is this true within our families, schools and communities, but also in our work environments. We explain, or excuse, our laxity with professional courtesy and civility as being more "informal" almost to the degree that "anything goes" including being rude!
Exercising professional courtesy with co-workers can contribute to self esteem, sense of value, worth and appreciation; provide recognition; demonstrate that someone cares; model desirable behavior for younger employees; and create pleasant surroundings. All that is required is tact, consideration, thoughtfulness, respect for self and others, and a good humor. Professional courtesy means letting our familiar co-workers know that they are as deserving of our "company manners" as are strangers.
Co-workers shared their professional courtesy pet peeves which aided in the preparation of this program. These have been grouped into topics and restated as positive actions to encourage our thinking about the courtesy exhibited in our workplaces. Perhaps these items will reinforce our own actions or prick our consciences to revive and return civility to that everyday atmosphere of politeness, courtesy, and caring about others. An over-riding objective is to let our co-workers know that they matter to us as human beings. People who treat other people nicely are likely to be treated nicely in return. Let's revive this old-fashioned value and practice it again – in the workplace, at home, and in the community.