Why it Pays to be Civil at Work
Famished at work, I pillaged the kitchen cabinets desperately searching for something–anything–to eat. Finally, I came across a jar of peanut butter marked “Brian.”
I thought about just helping myself. Brian was a nice guy, after all; he wouldn’t mind sharing, I rationalized. But then manners and civility won out and I intercommed him to ask permission.
“Sure,” Brian answered. “Help yourself. But I have to warn you: I eat straight out of the jar.”
I was really glad I asked! And it got me thinking. Maybe there are real, practical reasons behind all these rules of etiquette we learn as kids. And maybe some of these rules are as much for our protection as anyone else’s.
photo by D. Scott Lipsey
If you liked that post, then try these...
Top Ten Dream Jobs by Kfrancis on April 10th, 2010
A good friend has interviewed for a .
Summertime by Krista Ogburn Francis on June 20th, 2011
.