Monday, September 14, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: JOYCE HOFF
856-751-6141 (NJ)
joyce@pachter.com Wilson, Williams, West and Their Uncivil Behavior: 6 Ways to Restore Civility in Today's World US Representative Joe Wilson shouted "you lie" to President Obama during his recent speech to Congress. Tennis star Serena Williams yelled profanity at a line official during the US Open. Kanye West's outburst at the Video Music Awards disses Taylor Swift.
According to business etiquette expert Barbara Pachter, author of
The Power of Positive Confrontation (Marlowe & Co.), "These recent outbreaks of uncivil behavior are becoming increasingly more common in our world and our everyday experiences." But she adds, "It's time for people to fight back, politely of course, and assert that being uncivil to one another is not the way we want public figures or ourselves to behave. We live in troubled times, but we don't have to mirror the impolite actions of others. There are ways for people to express their differences without resorting to bad behavior."
Pachter suggests practicing these 6 tips to keep polite behavior in your world.
1. Don't attack back. Remember that someone else's bad behavior is no excuse for your own. Though it may feel good to say, "Well, what do you know, you idiot?" it's not going to build your credibility or accomplish anything.
2. Disagree agreeably. If you have difficulty with someone, talk to the person. You can evaluate an idea without attacking the person who is promoting it. Saying, "I disagree, and here's why…" is a lot more productive than screaming at people or calling them names.
3. Use courteous behavior. It's hard to be nasty to people who are nice to you. Keep "please," "thank you" and "excuse me" in your vocabulary. Do not ignore others; greet them when you see them. Help others when you can.
4. Avoid inflammatory words. Using harsh words like "stupid," "ignorant," "fool," only inflame a situation and will less likely lead to a positive resolution. Cursing at people is just mean.
5. Acknowledge your mistakes. Saying to someone, "You're right. I shouldn't have said that or done that," goes a long way in maintaining good relationships.
6. Stop complaining. If you don't like something, instead of complaining about it, do something. Get involved. Join organizations. Politely object.
And if you don't want to do any of the above, you can always walk away.
xxx
Barbara Pachter is a speaker, trainer, coach and author of numerous business books, including
When The Little Things Count…And They Always Count ($14.95, paperback, Marlowe & Co.) and
NewRules @Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead ($13.95, paperback, Prentice Hall).
She specializes in business etiquette and communication. Pachter gives over 100 seminars a year to major organizations worldwide, including Microsoft, Pfizer, Chrysler, and Cisco Systems.
For a free copy of Pachter's communication e-newsletter, "Competitive Edge," your readers can call (856) 751-6141 (NJ) or go to
www.pachter.com.
Pachter's blog is
www.barbarapachter.blogspot.com .