Mama was right! She used to say “You’ll catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Manners are the honey that makes everything taste better. If you want to communicate more effectively and get what you want, need and expect, try a little honey. Here are some suggestions:
Remember the magic words
- “Please”
- “Thank you”
- “You’re Welcome”
- When someone sneezes – offer “Bless You,” and then pass them a tissue
- When you pass someone in the hallway, say “excuse me”
These simple kindnesses will sweeten things up in no time.
Respond to voice mails and emails in a timely manner
I was listening to old voice mails earlier tho sweet and almost had a heart attack when I heard a message left 6 weeks ago – to which I had failed to respond! Arghhhh!!! Have you noticed how easy it is to be rude in this technological world? Let’s all be polite and respond promptly. If you have forgotten to respond, pick up the phone and call the person immediately to rectify as best as you can. Using Facebook, twitter, email, text messaging and cell phones properly can help you stay connected and communicating. Be sure to use them thoughtfully.
Send notes in the mail
Thank you notes. Congratulation notes. Thinking of You notes. These all work really well. My second job out of college (after leaving Capitol Hill) was as a Realtor. (Of course, one listing and one sale in one year does not a realtor make – I waited tables to pay my bills.) But one lasting lesson I learned during that time was from my manager. He suggested I get in the habit of looking for articles of interest to my clients – then clip them and send them on with a little note. I did implement this idea, and have continued it to this day.
I do love it when I receive a little note – don’t you? This week, you can be the one to brighten someone’s day with a well written note.
Lose the Profanity
When I was doing Improv Comedy, I quickly learned that getting fast and easy laughs with off-color language and innuendo was never the better choice. It wasn’t the potty humor that lasted, instead it was the richer, more difficult comedy combinations that left the audience sated and replete from deep, tummy busting laughter. Elevate your environment by eliminating the profanity and using better language.
So, put Mama’s words into action. I’ll look forward to hearing about your sweetened environments.
This is Day 21 of 31 Days of Powerful Communication Skills for Women. You can read all of my #31Days posts here. And check out The Nester’s #Write31Days blog for other great 31 day series.
Question: What’s your favorite “honey” to use? When have you experienced the “honey” of others and how has it affected you? Please leave your comments below.
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