“A dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness and of gentle manners is more significant than is a riot.” – Robert A Heinlein, Author, Stranger In A Strange Land

Everyone complains when an airline crew member is rude (or more!) but why is nobody making an equal fuss about the absolutely horrid manners exhibited by so many people (young and old) these days.

 

IN-FLIGHT CRAZINESS:

• In May, an Air Canada flight had to make an emergency landing after a passenger got belligerent and threatened crew and passengers before attempting to open the emergency exit door, saying “it would take only one guy to take the plane down,” and that he “wanted to take everyone with him.”
• In July, A 23-year-old Florida man was pulled off a Delta flight to Beijing, after he assaulted a flight attendant and wreaked general havoc in the cabin (pic, right, above).
• And don’t get me started on the general lack of decorum on flights.
• Here are a few things that gross me out: nailclipping, removing your shoes and socks and propping up your feet so I can see them from my armrest, bringing really nasty smelling foods on the plane e.g. I love kimchee but would never bring it on a plane.

 

TRASH EVERYWHERE: How Hard Is It To Pick Up After Yourselves, People?

• In July, people celebrating 4^th of July weekend, at Lake Tahoe, left 1600-pounds of garbage on the beaches. Who does that?
• NYC subways are filled with garbage – both on the trains, the platforms and the tracks. Most track fires are caused by food garbage thrown on the tracks.

Read on below for more – including the urgent need for Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence.

Disrespect And Lack Of Civility

• In July, during funeral services for a NYC police officer who had been executed by a known cop-hater in the Bronx, a local teen defiantly blasted the NWA song “F— Tha Police” out his third-floor apartment window as thousands of cops gathered below to mourn her. And she was a well-liked and respected officer from the neighborhood who left behind 3 children. What is this kid thinking?
• NYC’s Mayor De Blasio has decriminalized public urination. It’s no longer an arrestable offense. Any wonder something like this happens:

 

WHICH BRINGS US TO THE URGENT NEED FOR ETIQUETTE AND PROTOCOL TRAINING

• In researching the benefits of good manners, I came across an interesting Canadian company: Millar, McGrath & Associates.
• It was founded by Etiquette expert Deborah McGrath.
• The company offers a new form of intelligence: Etiquette and Protocol Intelligence
• I am predicting that etiquette and protocol training will become more prevalent as companies find new hires are lacking these very important skills and old-timers have forgotten them.
• Manners will become a major competitive advantage at both consumer-facing companies as well as at business-to-business firms.

Here are some things that caught my eye in scanning the Millar, McGrath website (and I’m sure other firms offer similar services):

• In public you never escape scrutiny.
• You can’t afford to get caught on details that prevent you from appearing prepared, poised and polished.
• You have less than 5 seconds to form a positive first impression.
• Learn appropriate behaviors between superiors and subordinates, co-workers, social contacts and friends.
• Learn how to master any dining scenario, even how to Dine Like a Diplomat
• Etiquette provides a competitive edge for job-seekers
• Impacts career advancement
• Promotes cross-cultural awareness
• Provides strategies and skills for overcoming shyness
• Builds self-confidence and self-esteem
• Upgrades interview skills
• Enhances face-to-face skills
• Teaches social engagement skills