RUDE RUDE RUDE

OK, what does rude mean? It means offensively impolite or ill-mannered.

Is it rude when a driver cuts in front of you on the way to work, causing you to feel annoyed and frustrated? Is it rude to push yourself in front of someone in line? Is it rude to hang up on someone without saying good-bye because you don’t like what the other person said? Is it rude to be chronically late for work?

Somedays you might think rudeness is rampant and it must be stopped. First of all, don’t take it personally. If you do you are more likely to be rude to someone else. So, to stop the rudeness respond with kindness and empathy. However, when all fails, sometimes it’s best to walk away from that person. By avoiding habitually rude people, you take away their audience and give them fewer targets to lash out at. A lack of an audience will also defuse the situation. 

So, why are people rude? I’m thinking it’s because people are intolerant of of others. It can also be the product of arrogance, an attitude of just ‘better than you and I can get away with almost anything.’  

So, what causes rudeness?  

1. Low self-esteem
2. Learned behavior
3. Personal problems 
4. Emotional immaturity 

79% of Americans say that lack of respect is a serious problem while 60% think rude behavior is on the rise. I recommend taking the high road even if it’s sometimes lonely up there. Be kind and don’t allow yourself to get in the “rude trap” ever again.  

Carol is an accomplished professional speaker, coach and educational consultant specializing in innovative leadership, outrageous fundraising, million dollar marketing, and building organizational alliances throughout the country. Carol’s creative leadership with bullet proof ideas for recruiting MORE MEMBERS, MORE MONEY AND TER LEADERS. www.caroltalks.com 610-442-4545 [email protected] Like Carol on Facebook at Caroltalks and CarolCoaches! Carol S. Ritter, Past President, National Speakers Association Philadelphia