Workplace Courtesy: Managerial Version

We spend so much time at work, sometimes the little courtesies get lost in the shuffle. When it's not a matter of politics, we can forget to apply the same kind of little niceties that get us through our lives outside of work.

When you're a manager, this becomes just a bit more important. People look to you for leadership; because they're looking, when you fail they notice as well.

Maybe you share employment status and stomping grounds with someone who needs a little refresher. Or maybe you're already fed up and are looking for alternate employment because of one of these lacking-in-common-courtesy types.

Let's call it a rant then and move on. ;-)

Top 5 Managerial Courtesies in the Workplace (ideal version, and in no particular order):

1. Don't cancel other people's meetings.
If someone has gone to the trouble of booking a meeting, even if you suspect it will be a waste of time, don't suggest that they cancel it. Especially if that person is another manager. It shows a lack of respect, and it's really freakin' rude.

2. Do find some way, as a company or as a team, to honour the good stuff.
Did someone become a grandparent for the first time? Get them a card, buy the baby an outfit, send out an email. Do something. These are the things that make life worth living outside of work.

3. Don't lie. Not to your team or to your bosses.
Do you know that something isn't possible? Is that something that the top brass doesn't want to hear? Is another team member stating the truth? If you choose to lie, you are setting yourself up for a fall. Sooner or later, people will start to connect the dots. You might be able to get rid of the first or second person who notices, but eventually karma will come around to bite you in the ass. At least, that's what we're all hoping for.

4. Explore Beyond Your Office Door
Just because you have an office doesn't mean you should stay in it all the time -- regardless of whether your door is open or closed. If you're not on MSN, and you spend most of your time in your office, you are out of touch with what is happening beyond the viewpoint of your desk and your open door. Sure, you can make nice with one person who can keep you in the loop. Up to a point. But if you're not looking around, then you don't know that some people are leaving 2 hours early on Fridays, or taking 3 hour lunches, on your watch. You're not able to deal with the situation because you don't see it. And your not seeing it diminishes your stock in the eyes of those who report to you -- regardless of whether or not you've managed to fool your bosses.

5. Commend Your Team on a Job Well Done
Did your team just pull off something cool? Did they go above and beyond, in terms of output or effort or hours? Let them know. Bring them in a treat of some kind. Even better -- send out a company-wide email so those up the food chain in the company know. People's time is not a throwaway. Ignore and undervalue at your own risk.


Remember, just because you've fooled your managers doesn't mean you can fool your team. In the words of Hal Hartley, be good to (them) and (they) will be good to you. (Well ok, so the original line was "Be good to her and she'll be good to you". But you get the point I'm making here, right?) Hopefully, at least. You have a responsibility to set a good example. Take that responsibility seriously.