Just Show Up - Just Be Polite
A freind of mine and I were talking about how easy it is to stand out in business. It does not require genius or even particularly hard work (although work ethic is one of my key values). It is just show up and be polite.We think some of the simple rules of business ettiquette still work great today:
1 - Return calls and emails promptly.
2 - If you can't return the calls or emails promptly, let people know.
3 - Do what you say you will do.
4 - Be true to your word. An agreement is an agreement. Integrity counts.
5 - be courteous
6 - treat everyone with respect.
It is simple to stand out from the crowd. Show up and be polite.
80% of success is just showing up
Woody Allen
posted by Jim Estill @ 8:48 AM 
5 Comments:
I so agree with you. Just showing up is simple, as are most leadership jobs. It's astonishing how many don't do them.
I've just stopped by your blog, but I am interested in reading more. You can also check out my blog at http://www.dogsadvicetoleaders.com/.
Jo Ellen Roe
Observer of Leaders
I loved this post! It reminded me of high school report cards. There was a section called:
WORK HABITS/EMPLOYMENT READINESS SKILLS.
These were the "easy marks"- Acing them along with achieving good/high marks was a win win situation. Even if you only went after the "easy marks" you'd pass.:) Yes, the percentage allotted was that high. I always wondered why they were making it so easy!;)
I'm going to have to take a picture of this report card and post it. Thanks for bringing back the memory.
Here's the list:
CLASS ROUTINES
*arrives on time
*follows dress code
*is prepared for class with required materials
*is organized
PARTICIPATION
*follows direction
*has a postive attitude toward work
HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS
*keeps notebooks up to date
*completes work neatly
SELF DISCIPLINE
*works to potential
*manages time well
*stays on task
CO-OPERATION
*demonstrates Christian values
*allows others to work
I like the post, but can't agree with Jo Ellen's comment. Most leadership jobs are far from simple ... the good leaders just make them look simple.
I think the point of the blog was how simple it is to stand out in business, but I think there is also an underlying reality that you need to be reasonably competent. I have met some really nice people who are totally ineffective in their roles ... that doesn't cut it either.
Having said all of that ... a reasonably competent person can very definitely stand out in a crowd by "showing up and being nice". In a way that's kind of sad, dont you think. An opportunity ... but sad!
Ok, I've tagged you. I may come back and read your thoughts from time to time. I will first admit that I tend to play devil's advocate. I like the banter, I may not always win but the exercise is good for the mind.
So, here it comes. I think the trouble with a lot of operations today is the simple fact that most people have figured out that all they have to do is show up. Being nice is what makes them stand out because the rest are hiding in their cubes. But what I have observed is that the ones who are standing out being nice are the ones who have the least to do. It is in fact the ones who are not nice,the ones making the decisions that others are unwilling to make, are the ones who are in fact doing.
I love the part about integrity. I think you may like the new leadership book that uses it as a cornerstone. The Three Laws of Performance (http://www.threelaws.com)
I can send you a bloggers-only kit if you'd like.
Thanks,
Robert@Richman.LA
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