This week, we revisit the topic of being polite. Do you notice most successful people are also the polite ones?
These are the people who step forward at a networking event to greet the newcomer, make them feel welcomed and introduce them to others. They excuse themselves from their current conversation to focus on the person entering the room who seems to be a bit uncertain.
When communicating with a polite person, you find they tend to listen, focus on you by giving you their undivided attention. You walk away feeling very good about a great discussion and then you realize you do not know much about this person. Letting the other person talk is a very polite way of making a good long-term relationship.
Polite people bring up the tough conversations that no one else seems to want to touch. They do this in such a way that is non-threatening, yet bring the difficult situation into light, deal with in a very nice way so everyone feels better it was addressed.
They do not insist on their opinion and may offer it as a suggestion to consider. This leads to a very interactive and creative discussion.
Recently at the Chamber BEA announcement of the Finalists, one of our competitors was there. I went up to both reps of that company, said hello and we did the small talk. When they were announced as a Finalist in their category, I went up to congratulate them. They, in turn, did the same when we were Finalists in our Innovation Company of the Year announcement.
We can be considerate in all circumstances. Polite people never stop being polite. That is just who they are. We all know people like this and we welcome them in our circles.