Is Etiquette Dead? All aboard the Disney World Bus!

As I boarded the packed Disney World bus, my family and I stood squeezed into the back, surrounded by exhausted park hoppers after a long day of walking and waiting. It was standing room only, and the vibrant energy that started the day was long gone. The bus jolted forward, and after the first stop, a lady, visibly seven months pregnant was standing in the front of the bus. She stood awkwardly in the aisle, her face a mix of discomfort and determination.

Then, something happened that in my most respectful opinion should have occurred without hesitation. An elderly gentleman, seated in the back, noticed her and immediately rose to offer his seat. It was a simple act, yet it transformed the atmosphere in an instant. As I scanned the bus, I saw a sea of indifferent faces; not one other man moved.

This moment was a poignant reminder of the importance of etiquette in our everyday lives. If we want to cultivate a civil world, we must embrace the power of polite gestures and words. The gentleman’s act of kindness echoed a timeless truth: etiquette matters. Civility is taught and caught!

In our fast-paced, often task-centered society, we can sometimes forget the simple yet profound impact of politeness. Here are a few reminders about how we can incorporate etiquette in our daily interactions:

1. Please is not a four-letter word; it’s six!

?? Using "please" when making requests can transform a demand into a courteous invitation.

2. Thank you is a great way to show gratitude.

?? Acknowledging someone’s effort with a sincere "thank you" fosters goodwill and strengthens relationships. And to finish the transaction- as they say at Chick- fil-A - it’s my pleasure!

3. Holding a door.

?? A small yet significant gesture that can make someone's day a little brighter.

4. Opening a door.

?? Whether it’s a literal door or a metaphorical one, extending an invitation can create opportunities for connection.

5. Respecting personal space.

?? In crowded settings, being aware of others' comfort levels is a vital part of our social responsibility.

6. Dressing appropriately.

?? While I won’t delve into specifics about what’s suitable for public spaces, being mindful of our attire reflects respect for ourselves and those around us.

As we reflect on these small acts of kindness, consider how we can weave etiquette into our workplace culture. Here are seven ways to foster a polite and respectful environment at work:

1. Encourage "please" and "thank you" in all communications.

?? Create a culture where polite language is the norm, encouraging team members to express appreciation.

2. Model respectful behavior.

?? Leaders should exemplify civility in their actions and interactions, setting a standard for the entire team.

3. Recognize acts of kindness.

?? Celebrate employees who go above and beyond to help others, reinforcing the value of politeness.

4. Facilitate open discussions.

?? Encourage employees to share their thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner, promoting a culture of transparency.

5. Encourage RAK.

?? Reinforce a culture that encourage team members to perform random acts of kindness for one another.

6. Provide feedback respectfully.

?? When offering constructive criticism, frame it positively and with care, ensuring that the recipient feels valued.

It’s not my place to point the proverbial finger- I just wanted to share what I saw and what I miss seeing.

These small gestures we often overlook in our daily lives—like offering a seat on a crowded bus—are powerful reminders that etiquette is far from dead. It can thrive in our interactions, shaping our world into a more considerate and civil place. Let’s commit to making etiquette a priority, both in our personal lives and workplaces, because kindness and respect are timeless values that can transform our communities.

#Question - what would you like to see more of?

?Take care and as always thank you for letting me share.

#questld #petehinojosa #thoughtleadership Sent from my iPhone