Reasons Why Having Good Manners Is Important
Created in Western Europe by French aristocrats, etiquette is a social code of conduct. Aristocrats used these rules to interact and updated rules regularly to meet the changing times. Etiquette spawned a set of relaxed social rules for commoners known as manners. Demonstrating good manners is important for both personal and professional relationships.
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What Are Good Manners?
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Manners are a way of showing respect and consideration for others. Having good manners is not following a book of rules, but rather, a measure of how polite you are your interactions with others. There are manners for a range of different interactions. Each time you are in a new setting, the manners may change to reflect the behavioral expectations of the group. Good manners demonstrate a level of confidence in yourself and your surroundings. You can adapt socially to a range of surroundings without altering your personality. The ultimate goal is adaptability.
Cultures
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Good manners are important when dealing with other cultures. Aristocrats enjoyed the benefit of interacting with prominent people from around the world. In order to make a positive impression on their peers, they established behavioral guidelines. Today, people from different cultures commonly interact regardless of socioeconomic status. Demonstrating good manners is important to build social bridges to other groups by making them feel welcome. You have the opportunity to break the ice, opening the door to a potential friend or colleague.
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Sale or No Sale
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In business, having good manners is critical. The wrong impression on a customer can cost you a job or an opportunity to make a sale. Customers expect to be treated as if they are valuable. Demonstrating good manners by learning the customer's schedule before showing up at her office, or acknowledging an illness when she is out of work, are both forms of good manners. People often purchase from those they trust, and showing consideration is a great start building a positive relationship. Good manners isn't about pretending to care, but rather tapping into your human side to relate to other people.
Avoid Conflict
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Having bad manners can lead to unnecessary conflict. For example, in traffic, cutting someone off instead of waiting patiently for your turn to merge can lead to a traffic accident. Responding angrily to a person who cut in front of you in line can start a public argument and may result in you being banned from a place of business. Avoid letting your emotions lead you into bad manners. Even if you are unsure whether or not you know the "rules" of good manners, avoiding rude behavior can help improve your quality of life.
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References
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