Courtesy is getting harder

Do you remember the days when you rang someone, left a message if they weren't there, and more often than not you'd hear back from them within a matter of hours or even minutes? Whatever happened to those days?

Most of my similar experiences today see me waiting for days and even weeks for people to return calls, emails etc. It's true! Common courtesy on this front and so many others seems to be a thing of the past for many people. Yes, I know this is the modern way we do things and I know that technology plays an enormous part in how we do business and personal things in this modern age. Speaking for myself, I really don't enjoy it, I do however, understand why it happens.

Personally, in both my private and business dealings I get hundreds of phone calls, emails etc. each week. Any that I believe deserve or expect an answer or reply, I try to respond to in a short space of time, and I think I'm pretty good at it. That said, there are still many that I don't reply to for one reason or another. Having a phone in my hand 24/7 or sitting at a keyboard for hours on end is not my desired way of living. And what about Facebook you ask? I don't have it, don't want it, and don't think it's something that will enhance my life.

Courtesy is the topic we're talking about here, and returning messages both by phone or computer is only part of it. Courtesy also extends to the way we communicate with people, talk to people, help people, treat people, care about people and so on. There is a saying that goes something along the lines of "people won't remember what you said to them, or what you did to them, but they will remember the way you made them feel."

Showing courtesy in all its forms will make people "feel" better, if you're on the receiving end of courtesy, you'll feel better too. It makes very good sense to show courtesy in all our dealings, even when we come under criticism or fire. If more people showed more courtesy to more people in more situations, our world would be a better place for sure.

Think about the "nice" people in your life, they're probably people who among their characteristics, are always courteous. That's one of the things that make them "nice" in your thinking.

I decided quite a few years back that in future, and as customer, I was always going to try to do business with those who I considered "nice" people. That extends to the shops I buy from, the tradesmen I use, the people whose services I use and so on. I reasoned that when things go wrong, this type of person is more likely to want to help you and want to put things right, and even if the problem is my fault, a "nice" person will often do the unexpected. From the other side too, when things do go horribly wrong, I find that by being honest, courteous, polite and fair when complaining will often come up with a great result for both parties.

Here in Orange, wherever we may think we sit on the courtesy ladder, let's take the way we show and practice courtesy to a higher level. Do that and everyone will benefit in all manner of ways. Like anything worthwhile in life, it takes effort, being more courteous will take effort but will also bring wonderful rewards as well.