Good Manners: The first sign pointing in the direction of Success in any field

As young professionals, we often focus on achieving success in our respective fields, but we sometimes forget that good manners are just as crucial as technical skills in our quest for success. The way we present ourselves, our language, and the way we interact with others is essential to making a good impression, especially in a professional setting.

Let’s consider the story of Mugoya, a young person who has just been accepted into Bukoyo Senior Secondary School. As he goes to pick up his admission letter, he unknowingly makes three etiquette mistakes in the Deputy Headmaster’s Office in charge of Academics. The Deputy HM, Mr. Kiddawalime Swaibu is a passionate stickler to rules and procedure and won’t tolerate nonsense.

The first mistake he made was knocking and entering the office without waiting for the Deputy’s invitation. This simple act of waiting to be allowed in shows respect and consideration for the other person’s space.

The second mistake was casually greeting the Deputy without addressing him respectfully. A greeting is essential when meeting someone, but how you greet them is just as important. Using a proper greeting such as “Good morning, sir,” or “Good afternoon, ma’am,” is a sign of respect.

The third mistake Mugoya made was sitting before the Deputy gave him permission to do so. This action shows a lack of awareness and respect for the other person’s authority.

These three mistakes may seem minor, but they had a significant impact on the outcome of Mugoya’s visit. The Deputy Headmaster became angry and demanded that Mugoya leave the office and come back in and do the right things before he could offer him an audience concerning admission into the school.

Mugoya was embarrassed and humiliated, but he learned an important lesson about the importance of good manners. He came back into the office, knocked, waited for the Deputy’s invitation, addressed him respectfully, and waited to be told to take a seat. This time, the Deputy received him warmly and attended to him with a smile on his face.

Absolutely! Knowing the proper procedures for meeting with someone in their office is essential for young professionals, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Here are some key etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Request permission: Knock and wait for a response before entering. If the door is closed, knock and wait for a response before entering. If the door is open, still knock and wait for the person’s permission to enter.
2. Greet the person respectfully: Address the person with respect by using their formal title and surname, such as “Good morning, Mr. Ibembe.” This shows the person that you value their position and authority.
3. Wait to be invited to sit: After the person invites you to sit, wait until they are seated before taking your seat. It is also important to sit up straight and avoid slouching, which can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect.
4. Be mindful of your body language: Maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting or tapping your foot. This shows that you are engaged in the conversation and respectful of the other person’s time.
5. Listen actively: Listen carefully to what the person is saying and avoid interrupting them. Ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest in the conversation.

By following these guidelines, you can make a positive first impression and show the person that you are professional, respectful, and attentive. These are essential qualities for success in any profession.

In conclusion, good manners are essential in the professional world. They show respect for others, help build positive relationships, and ultimately lead to success. As young professionals, we must make a conscious effort to practice good manners and strive to improve them daily. Remember, in the world of work, good manners never go out of style.