What happened to common courtesy?
As we all settle into working-from-anywhere and indeed, for many, it is likely to be the new standard, we all realize and appreciate that it is a little different, that we need to be more considerate and we need to be more flexible. However, one thing I have noticed is an erosion of common courtesy…or is it just me?
Unless you manage your calendar efficiently you could end up with back-to-back calls and meetings (how many of these are actually relevant is another question) and a calendar with barely a free space in it, making it a challenge to get peoples time when it is relevant. Finding a slot that aligns with everyone’s availability is a small victory and we all rejoice! Why is it then that folks don’t respond immediately, if not sooner? When I say immediately, I really means as soon as they can, which shouldn’t normally be after more than an hour or so. It literally takes 5 seconds! Or, are they waiting to see if they get a better offer?
Isn’t it just common courtesy?
Then, when the actual meeting comes around (with 10 acceptances, 2 declines, 1 tentative and 15 no response), if you have accepted at least pitch up!
Isn’t it just common courtesy?
Similarly, with text messages. Why not respond straight away to a simple yes or no question, particularly if you’ve taken the time to read it (again, with due consideration to other commitments, but really!).
Isn’t it just common courtesy?
The same goes for emails. I know we all have a few more emails than in the olden days (pre-Q1 2020), but surely no one is that inefficient busy that they can’t respond within a reasonable time-frame – even if it’s just with a holding mail to say “I’ll get back to you by dd/mm”. I don’t expect a 100% immediate response rate and there will always be one or two that slip through the cracks, but they should be few and far between and the majority should be promptly responded too.
Isn’t it just common courtesy?
With remote working being the norm, we don’t need to work harder, we need to work smarter and part of working smarter is wholehearted respect for your colleagues, customers, vendors and all other business partners, and part of that respect, is practicing unwavering common courtesy.