Success in any area of life [relationship, professional, etc.] is determined not only by how great we are at what we do, but largely also by how people perceive us or how they feel about us.

If that is true, then, managing people well, having good manners and showing common courtesies would go a long way.

Keep The Following In Mind:

#1. Wait for an offer.           

There is no exception to this; if it’s not your office or your friend’s office, you should stand and wait once you get in.

I learned this from my dad many years ago. I was in his office on one occasion when a student walked in and sat on greeting my father. I didn’t notice his wrong until my dad yelled at him; “Stand up! Get out of my office!”

Then he said to me, “The proper thing is to stand and wait when you get into an office, someone would offer you a seat.

#2. Ignite the world.

Is it really a hard thing to smile? Why do some people walk around with stone faces?

When you smile:

You’d look more beautiful. You’d brighten others up. You’d share positive energy. You’d make more friends because you’d be approachable.

Just smile… it will make others smile at you.

#3. Wait for others.

Wait for everyone to be served in public gatherings before you start eating. Or at least, wait for those around you. It only makes you socially intelligent.

Don’t be the last to finish eating, too. What does it make you? Still eating 20 minutes after everyone is done eating? Not cool.

#4. It’s yours, take it.

If it falls before you, what does it mean?

It’s yours!

When you’re served at public functions, you either eat or you let it go. Don’t be in the habit of either making choices or shuffling stuffs before making a pick.

Take what is before you. Eat what you are served.

#5. Make it warm and proper.

Shaking hands is a form of salutation; it shows acceptance and friendliness. However, it must be done properly. Don’t grab, twist or turn people’s hands. Do it with care.

Don’t offer a hand shake to a superior person. Also, don’t offer women a handshake. Let them initiate it.

Some women don’t shake hands and it’s disrespectful to initiate a handshake with your superior.

#6. Don’t pick anything.

You must have seen people either picking their nose, ears, eyes or scratching their armpits or buttocks at public gatherings. How did you feel?

Yes, it’s bad.

What about picking your teeth on a table? Well, avoid it as much as possible. Even if you cover your mouth with your hand, it’s still not cool.

If you must do these things, at that point, excuse yourself.

#7. Simply Say “Excuse me”.

If you need people’s attention, you should call them by name; Mr. Femi, could you please… Mrs Smith, kindly help with…

What if you don’t know their names? Just say, “Excuse me.”

Don’t touch people who are not your friends in order to get their attention.

Do the same if people are obstructing your passageway.

#8. Listen well and act accordingly.

Was there a time someone you knew was asked specific questions and they answered completely out of context?

It happens all the time!

If you’re asked to make a short speech or prayer, you should make it truly short.

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#9.  Say only what you know.

In social gatherings, everybody wants to impress those around. While some would fake calls, others would walk aimlessly around. While some would show off their phones and clothes, others would say things they are not knowledgeable about in order to get people’s attention.

You don’t have to say anything. And if you must, make sure you’re absolutely right.

#10. Avoid it.

Some people believe an argument is a contrast of knowledge, while others feel it’s a contest of self-image. Whether or not they are right, the question is, who does it help?

You feel bad if you lose an argument. You lose the other person if you win an argument.

Did you see that?

As much as you can, avoid arguments.

#11. Choose a seat behind.

Isn’t it bad when people get late to events and still walk to the front? Are they not aware they would cause distractions?

Don’t do it.

If you’re late, just stay at the back.

#12. Make the cross by the book.

Do you love crossing your legs in social gatherings? Well, sometimes, I do it, too.

Just don’t forget it’s the right leg over the left.

#13. Don’t fail to recall its ladies first.

While this rule is dying out fast in this part of the world, the fact still remains that:

A lady should get into the car first.

A lady should sit down first.

A lady should be served first.

A lady should get in first. A man should open the door.

#14. Never ask a woman her age.

It is considered impolite!

If you must know a woman’s age, then you must bring up a discussion that would reveal her age.

You may pick one of her old pictures on Facebook and ask how old she was when she took it. That should make a way.

#15. It gives a wrong signal.

Don’t drop your phone on the table at public gatherings. It shows you’re bored or the event is unimportant.

#16. Don’t walk away

If you walk with someone and s/he stops to greet another person you don’t know, you should also stop to say hello.

#17. Walk to guard

If you’re walking with a lady, walk between the lady and the road. The idea is, men should take the curb, street side or keep the woman away from traffic and danger.

#18. Leave it open

When you buy a suit jacket or blazer, you should remove the badge on the left hand. Plus, you are never to fasten the bottom button of your suit.

#19. Don’t be rude.

When sending an SMS or e-mail, don’t write in CAPITA LETTERS. It’s internet code for yelling. And it is rude.

#20. It’s over once forgiven

If you’re forgiven after you’ve apologized, don’t bring up the offensive subject in a bid to apologise again. You should do well not to make the same mistake another time.

#21. Make yourself comfortable

Eating should be stress free.  

You are expected in public gatherings to eat with table fork on your left hand and table knife on your right hand. However, if it’s not a must and you’re not comfortable with knives and forks, use your spoon or hand as the case may be.

You don’t have to embarrass yourself in order to keep a rule.

#22. Do proper things properly

When you meet people the first time, ask what their names are. If you don’t get it, ask them to say it again.

Make sure you call their names properly. They will like you for it.

If anyone calls them by their nickname, you must avoid the temptation of doing the same.

Do not say; “What is your name?” like a class teacher would.

You may, with a smile, say, “My name is Paul,” they will naturally reciprocate.

 

Speak Your Mind: What other daily etiquette do you know? Add them to the list in the comment section.

 

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