26 Rules and Norms for Success in Social & Professional Life

According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, social norms represent informal rules that dictate behaviour within groups and societies. These norms have been observed to provide social order and facilitate coordination.

As such, they give rise to various behaviours that may appear paradoxical or reassuring. Social norms result from conditional preferences that prioritise conformity to relevant behavioural rules.

These preferences are contingent on two types of beliefs: empirical and normative expectations.

In other words, As a result, social norms play a crucial role in shaping individual behaviour and establishing social norms for groups and communities.

In the words of William Shakespeare,

"All the world's a stag, and all the men and women are merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts."

Social norms, sometimes called rules, can significantly impact our lives, consciously and subconsciously, at various stages. In this regard, I would like to share certain social norms that can help you achieve your goals in any area of your life, whether professional or social.

#BigShotBoldMoves family, discover 25 essential social norms and rules that can transform how you interact with others. These norms and rules can help you build more profound, meaningful social, economic, and political relationships. The tips cover everything you need to know to enhance your social life and impress the people around you.

Some key areas covered are Mastering body language, navigating your business mannerisms, and perfecting your communication skills.

Although some of these norms and rules may seem simple, they can be challenging to execute. So, I would like you to practice them as much as possible. Take advantage of the opportunity to gain a competitive edge in your personal and professional life. Start applying these social rules today!

Let's jump right in.

1. If someone doesn't answer your call, don't call them more than twice. They might be busy with something meaningful.

2. Return any money you borrow as soon as possible, even before the person asks for it. This shows your integrity and honesty. The same goes for items like umbrellas, pens, and lunch boxes.

3. When someone offers to take you out for lunch or dinner, don't order the most expensive dish on the menu.

4. Don't ask personal or awkward questions like "Why aren't you married yet?" or "Why haven't you bought a house yet?" It's not your business to know.

5. Hold the door open for the person coming behind you, whether it's a man or a woman, a senior or a junior. Treating people well in public shows your kindness and respect.

6. If you take a taxi with a friend and they pay for the ride, offer to pay for the next ride. This applies to eating out, too.

7. Respect other people's opinions, even if they differ from your own. What seems like a 6 to you might be a 9 to someone else.

8. Don't interrupt people when they're speaking. Let them finish what they have to say before you speak. This allows you to review and respond from a place of opinion and respect.

9. If you tease someone and they don't seem to enjoy it, stop and don't do it again. It can hurt people's feelings and make them feel uncomfortable.

10. Always say "thank you" when someone helps you.

11. Praise people in public and criticise them in private.

12. Don't comment on someone's weight. Instead, say, "You look fantastic." If they want to talk about losing weight, they will.

13. Don't swipe left or right when someone shows you a photo on their phone. You never know what's coming up next.

14. If a colleague tells you they have a doctor's appointment, say, "I hope you're okay." Please don't ask them what it's for.

15. Treat everyone with respect, from the CEO to the cleaner. Being rude to people who are "below" you is not impressive.

16. Don't stare at your phone when someone is talking to you. It's rude to ignore someone who is speaking to you directly.

17. Only advise or comment on something if asked for it. Please feel free to leave it alone if it's not a public matter.

18. When you meet someone after a long time, only ask them about their age or salary if they want to discuss it.

19. Mind your business and stay out of other people's affairs.

20. Take off your sunglasses when talking to someone in the street or any setting unless necessary for your sight. Eye contact is essential when you're talking to someone.

21. Don't talk about your wealth in front of people who are less fortunate than you. In the same way, don't talk about your children in front of people who can't have children.

22. Whenever you receive a good message, say, "Thanks for the message."

23. Your boss is not your friend. They are transactional brokers and custodians on behalf of the organisation or business you are involved in, so show them you deserve your role by delivering value, respecting each other and doing your best work.

24. Give your best effort without expecting anything in return. This will help you build deeper connections with people.

25. People always expect something in return, even if you don't. Keep doing good things, as if you're making deposits into an account you'll withdraw from.

26. Pursue spirituality for the benefits it can bring to you and those around you. It can help you find balance in your life.

What do you think?

Do you want to impress others with impeccable #social #skills?

Then you need to learn and apply the right #social rules and #norms.

Luckily, you've just received a valuable guide to add to your tools and help you do just that. But don't keep this #knowledge to yourself. Share it with others in your #network and help them elevate their social and professional game, too.

As always, I am beyond convinced that together, we can all achieve greater success in our personal, business and professional lives.

Best regards and best wishes

Chilumba K. Bwalya Ph.D

Disclaimer: Social norms and rules vary across cultures and environments. They are co-created, resulting in differences in interpretation and behaviour.

Photo Caption: Speakers and organizers of Generation Women Canada on stage at The Lounge at Live Nation in Toronto - check them and their stories out at Women from across generations share insightful stories about their ever-changing relationship with their bodies By: Natalie Vilkoff

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