We focus a lot on being polite to customers which is super important however it feels necessary to take a moment to remember how we treat our co-workers too!
BENEFITS OF BEING POLITE
It is important to take personal and professional accountability for our actions. ACCOUNTABILITY IS THE OPPOSITE OF ENTITLEMENT. By acknowledging how our actions affect the workplace and co-workers, we are able remedy any adverse or negative interactions that occur between fellow employees.
Guidelines that foster rapport and team spirit amongst employees:
Check inappropriate or offensive “humor” at the door
Greet coworkers upon arrival and say goodbye when they leave
Dress appropriately: Kidzone dress code has been relayed to everyone (if need this info repeated, please ask)
Clean up after yourself for example: keep belongings organized and out of the way, clean up food & drink items brought to work
Show they care about their personal hygiene
Say “please” and “thank you”
Don't interrupt
Listen carefully
Offer to assist a coworker who obviously needs it
Apologize after negative interactions or if you’ve offended someone
Initiate reconciliation or discussion if you feel concerned about an interaction that may have caused some hurt or insult
Benefits of Politeness
Extending these types of courtesies can “build and solidify” relationships while refusing can actually “destroy” them.
Politeness can:
Make a good first impression among new employees and sustain work relationships as coworkers get to know each other. In this way, politeness can be a two-way street: Polite employees show that they care about others, and “the others” are likely to reciprocate.
Help people feel at ease, which can lead them to do their best work. Think of the “constant interrupter” who doesn't let people talk or who dismisses ideas before she truly hears them. Employees usually don't thrive in an environment where this behavior is tolerated, and they're less likely to show initiative or take risks.
Defuse conflict. While honesty is important, politeness is about more than what someone says; it's how she says it. A polite person knows that diplomacy rules and that she should point out the positives before offering suggestions to improve the negatives.
Foster respect among employees and cultivate a culture of respect at your small business.
Respect
Etiquette centers upon respect.
Be respectful in your interactions with your coworkers, superiors, and underlings -- regardless of what kind of day you're having or whether or not you like them. Keep your problems to yourself, or at least confined to occasional casual conversation.
Respect other people's time. Arrive to work on time and be prompt with your meetings and appointments. Schedule your absences in advance so that your colleagues can prepare.
Treat your workspace and equipment with care. Do your part to keep the common areas well-maintained and clean.
Speak Kindly to & of Others
Taking care to greet your co-workers and remembering to say “please” and “thank you” make a tremendous difference in the way they perceive you. Your good manners show that you acknowledge those around you and are considerate of their presence.
Avoid Gossip or Eavesdropping
Gossip and eavesdropping are childish behaviors that have no place in the workplace. If you hear a rumor about someone in the workplace, do not pass it on. People don’t always know or remember who starts a rumor, but they always remember who spreads it. If you walk into an area, and it seems your co-workers don't know you are there, make sure to greet them politely to remove any chance that you accidentally eavesdrop on their conversation.
Adopt a Positive Communication Style
Show people a positive attitude and respect their diverse backgrounds, values and perspectives.
Use your judgment when it is the right time to confront another person about a personal conflict. Don't be afraid to discuss conflict, but commit to working through it so that you and a coworker can return to positive interaction.
Be dependable. They must be able to count on you. Therefore, make promises that you're reasonably sure you can keep. If you let coworkers down a few times, you'll lose their trust.
Live by the Golden Rule
Treating others the way you want to be treated is the core principle of the Golden Rule and an example of how workers can display integrity in the workplace. Practicing the Golden Rule ensures that disturbances that may distract or offend others remain at bay while in a work setting. The Golden Rule is a reflection of respect for others.
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