Are you aware that etiquette can help you navigate any social situation smoothly and confidently? Over the past few years, we were able to conduct research on how to perform certain social encounters using etiquette tips. We willingly put ourselves in situations that required the exercise of best etiquette rules and practices.
Before explaining the findings, I want to cover what etiquette means. Etiquette is the set of norms of personal behavior in polite society, usually occurring in the form of an ethical code of the expected and accepted social behaviors that accord with the conventions and norms observed and practiced by a society, a social class, or a social group. That's the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition. Etiquette helps us navigate social situations confidently and avoid causing offense or embarrassment. In short, etiquette is about making people comfortable and showing respect, cooperation, and understanding in every situation.
Etiquette can vary depending on the culture, context, and occasion. Some common examples of etiquette rules are:
waiting to eat until everyone is seated and served
showing up on time to meetings or appointments
dressing appropriately for the occasion or the weather
saying please and thank you
holding the door for others
following the local customs or norms when traveling to a different country
avoiding your phone during dinner or when having a conversation (this is a huge one)
So why is etiquette important? Well, etiquette is important in society because it helps us to communicate effectively, respect others, and avoid conflicts. Etiquette can also enhance our personal happiness, professional success, and social harmony. Etiquette also reflects our culture, value and character.
Different cultures have different ways of expressing affection and respect. For example, some cultures are known for being warmer and more expressive than others. They may greet you with a double kiss on the cheek as a sign of friendship, while other cultures prefer to maintain a formal distance with a bow or handshake. Both are suitable for their respective contexts, but if you mix them up, (in any way) you might cause awkwardness, misunderstanding and discomfort.
When you use bad etiquette, it outwardly shows that you have little value for yourself and others. Though entertaining, its bad form when you throw the racquet after a game or shove the player that dunked in your face. These actions can be seen as aggressive, rude, or childish. They can also damage your reputation and relationships. Instead of resorting to such actions, it is better to handle the situation with grace and dignity. You can congratulate the opponent, acknowledge your mistakes, and learn from the experience. This way, by practicing good etiquette, you illustrate that you value yourself and those you encounter.
You may be wondering why we are driving this point so hard. In our quest for civility, we unintentionally used the opposite of good etiquette practices which rendered unsatisfactory results. In addition, we, in concert with so many others, have expressed a desire to live in a more civilized world. We have discovered this first starts with the person in the mirror and by applying the basic practices we have all learned in preschool. Lastly, we are passionate about aiding people to capture the best versions of themselves. That includes, but is not limited to, the positive experiences they face on their life journey.
In this series of posts, we will explore the impact of etiquette, both good and bad, on various situations. We will show examples of how bad etiquette can lead to negative outcomes, and how good etiquette can create positive results. We will also share some tips and best practices for improving your etiquette skills. When we exhibit best etiquette rules and practices, we indirectly communicate to society how we expect to be treated and can be expected to treat others.
We at Keyola Consultants aid people in living the life in the look they love. Book your consultation with one of our image consultants today and receive 1:1 counseling on how to implement best etiquette rules and practices.
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