Do you have a few words you constantly have a hard time spelling?
I do. One of mine is "etiquette". Some sort of mental block.
Spelling it is one thing, but having it, especially in Social Media - is another. With plentiful on-line tools and global conversations, how does one know the proper etiquette when say, communicating with someone from Japan or Spain? How does one properly edit a tweet to make it fit within 140 characters when re-tweeting? How should/shouldn't one alter the original tweet? Etiquette is indeed far more than using the right fork at dinner. It's a variable code of social conduct that morphs over time, differs by culture, and can be tricky in Social Media.
But the basics don't have to be that difficult.
Recently, I had a meeting with a colleague named Don. I haven't seen him for years.
He reminded me of some (perhaps not so "common") courtesies:
- A couple days before the meeting, Don confirmed via Facebook. His mobile number was contained within the message, just in case I needed it the morning of the meeting.
- I arrived three minutes early for the meeting. In other words, I was late. He was already there - all ready to go.
- He selected the place and provided location details in advance. It was a great little neighborhood restaurant. $13.00 for breakfast for two.
- He expertly weaved conversation with eating. He respected his food. Not a crumb was left on his plate.
- He paid the tab. The server received a gracious 40% $5.00 gratuity (He wouldn't let me get that either).
- After the meeting, I promptly received another Facebook message. It was Don thanking me for the meeting.
- While outlining my follow-ups from the meeting, I realized I wasn't sure of Don's current email address. No worries, he highlighted the address within his thank-you note before I had the chance to inquire.
Considerate. Anticipatory. Thoughtful. Classy.
Nuances aside, the thing to remember is that etiquette is about deference - the other. The good old tried-and-true "do unto others" once again comes into play.
So, as we endeavor to communicate and relate effectively on-line (yet may be tempted to, or accidentally send, overly-brief, self-centric, maybe-even confrontational messages)... perhaps we should take a few extra moments to think about how things feel on the other end.
So there - Take that!
;-)
craig arthur james 2011
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