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3 Habits to Start Creating Today: Your 2013 Manners Makeover

If you’re the kind of person who makes New Year’s resolutions, I have a challenge for you this year.

As you go about your day, incorporate these three “manners makeover” habits to set a new standard for interacting with others —whether in business or personal.

1. Be fully present – In the words of the late inspirational speaker and wordsmith Jim Rohn, “Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of attention.” Seems like a simple request, but it’s tougher than you think. With so many distractions – cell phones, email, etc. – it’s easy to think you can multi-task while on a conference call and still be fully connected to the conversation. Not so.

   The next time you’re talking to someone, really stop and listen. Refrain from thinking about what you’re going to say in response. And if you’re out to dinner—and I can’t believe I still see this happening all the time – keep your cell phones turned off! By checking email or texting while in someone’s company, you’re saying, “Hey, it’s great to see you, but right now there is someone more important I need to talk to.”

2. Compliment others (fill their bucket) – How did you feel after your last interaction with____________? Did that person make you feel more positive or did they leave you feeling a little deflated?

   The Gallop organization has created a wonderful metaphor to take us to a new level of personal interaction.  Imagine each of us has an invisible “bucket,” and we also have a ladle. When you engage with a person, you have two choices: You can use the ladle to fill his or her bucket, or take from it. The secret is when you fill someone else’s bucket we also fill our own bucket.  When we take from someone’s bucket we are also dipping into our own bucket. WE are at our best when our buckets are full.

   When interacting with people this year, remember the bucket. Complimenting others is a good way to fill his or her bucket. Remember kindness is contagious.

3. Leave things better than you found them. The last manners challenge is simple: Leave things better than you found them. We owe it to those that came before us to leave things better than we found it so those that come after us can enjoy the same opportunities or benefits we had.

By incorporating these three tips into your everyday encounters, you’ll create new habits that will leave a lasting impression.

Remember this: If our lives are on autopilot, we are not in control of the destination. Make a conscious decision to be a positive example—leading the way.

I’d love to hear from you as you challenge yourself to keep these three manners resolutions this year. Send me a note or comment on the blog.

And if you’re on Twitter, share your thoughts using hashtag #MannersMakeover.

Happy New Year to all of you! Wishing you much success and happiness in 2013!

Posted by Margaret in Everyday Etiquette.