Do you have the feeling that rudeness is rampant? Do you believe that you are encountering more rude people on a daily basis than ever before? And do you think that their rude behaviors are worse than ever? This is one time when knowing that you are right may not be a comfort.
A recent report published by Public Agenda revealed that rudeness is rampant in America. Lack of respect and courtesy is a serious problem according to 79% of people polled. A majority of those asked believe that it is worse in recent years.
Minor disagreements that people would have walked away from in the past now turn into face-to-face confrontations. The kinds of behavior that respondents cited included everything from cell phone usage in public places to the demise of such words as "please" and "thank you".
The researchers in this study found that the memory of the unpleasant experience lingers on and over time grows worse. Many of the behaviors cited occur in the workplace between employees and between employees and customers.
It stands to reason that rudeness is costing money. Do you have any idea what it is costing you or what you can do about it?
Make no assumptions. Don't take for granted that everyone was listening when mother or grandmother gave the lessons on good manners. Could be that mother never brought the subject up.
Take responsibility for training and educating your employees. Let them know what is acceptable behavior. With rudeness so often the rule, rather than the exception, people are beginning to question their own standards.
Let those who work in your organization understand the impact of their conduct on your bottom line as well as theirs.
Not only does management have an obligation to model appropriate manners, it also has an obligation to address the subject head on.
Hoping that employees will have some sort of epiphany regarding business behavior is not a good response to the problem.
© 2010, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author featured in the Wall Street Journal and many other off-line and on-line publications. Lydia shares her business etiquette tips in her monthly e-zine, her blog and on Twitter. To register for these free services visit http://www.mannersthatsell.com today! 
