What Ever Happened to Etiquette?
Way back when, etiquette meant something. When I was 15 years old working in the hardware store, I addressed male customers "may I help you sir" and female customers "may I help you ma’am." After the sale, I would say "thank you for shopping with us."
Way back when, sitting at the dining room table and you wanted a plate passed, you said, "can you please pass the plate?" And when the plate was passed, you said "thank you."
Way back when, a birthday gift came from Grandma in another state, the recipient wrote a thank you card and mailed it to Grandma. Or at the very least, gave Grandma a call.
The advent of email, e-cards and texting has virtually killed the etiquette industry. The advent of social networks such as Facebook and Twitter has virtually killed the etiquette industry.
Most of us live in a "take it for granted" world where everything they get is "deserved" and proper etiquette is not required. The only thing I can relate to is that nothing is deserved.
Point. We give away Disney and Vegas trips to talent who have been with us 10 years. Four days, air, hotel and entertainment all expenses paid is quite the incentive. However, most barely send a thank you card. That is why when I received not only a thank you card from a talent in California and two Disney pens (one for me and one for the BUB), I was elated. They had the trip of their life and even sent over Disney photos for us to look at.
Point. We give away MSU tickets. Last week two talent went to the game after winning a contest. Did I hear from either talent after the game how their seats were, how they spent the spending money or how their experience was? No.
Point is, most of us are ignorant of etiquette and see nothing in its value. How sad for them. Because in the end, it is more fun to give than receive. And for those that give, they only give once to those that don’t express their thanks.
With the recent outbursts from the likes of politician Joe Wilson, tennis players, Grammy losers and such, we are at a new low. When this trend turns around is anyone’s guess. Until then, expect less.
Happy Friday!
September 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
LG,
Like you I am one who appreciates everything! It is never to much for me to send, mail or call in a thank you!
I also am the perosn who loves to give as oppposed to receive. My friends always ask me, “why do you spend so much time giving everyone something, you know your not going to get anything back?” I say to them, it is better for me to see the reaction and them know they are important to me. It is my way of knowing I will always be remebered as the person who gave and never asked for anything in return.
So I say even without the Thank you, just know that you are a person who shares the wealth, a person who considers others and a person who never stops giving. It goes without saying “kindness is rewarded back to those who give it”.
THANK YOU LG and Teresa for everything you do!
And for the Lunches! I am Super excited!
September 18th, 2009 at 11:02 am
There is a sense of entitlement going on today. I do remeber Deanna and I both returned from our Walt Disney World trips with thank you gifts and delivered them directly to your office. You and the trips, are first class all the way. We still get giddy when we look at the photos from the trips or here anything about WDW. 9 and one quarter years later, I wish to thank you again.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
I always feel bad for all the nice things you and Teresa give us, you treat your employees really really awesome. I have never worked for a company that has recognized their people and make us feel so worthwhile. So just to be able to work here is a gift.
I have always felt I belonged here and even though it is un-necessary for you to send nailco $’s everyyear for my birthday I always say thank you.
My children even use Mr. and Mrs. when they visit a a friends house to address the parents unlike the their friends that call me by my first Name.
Oh how things have changed, I Love to be old fashioned, things seemed so much more genuine way back when.
Happy Friday.
September 18th, 2009 at 12:55 pm
I was brought up with very strick etiqutte I can remember being small at the dinner table and my parents telling me don’t lean over and grab for something ask so we can hand it to you, I also grew up calling my friends parents Mr and Mrs and my mom always told me make sure you say please and thank you I remember her even asking me after I got home were you polite, she was raised this way so she raised my brothers and I that way aslo, I also agree with you Larry it seems the kids growing up these days have lack of respect for other and have zero manners.
September 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Larry,
I am deeply sorry for hurting your feelings. I was disappointed in myself after reading your words because I let down someone who I truly look up to and respect. I wish I was a fraction of the person you are, one who is wonderful both as a leader and as a human being.
Brandi (my girfriend) and I were planning on sharing our experience at the MSU game with you in person at Kemon Nights next weekend. I wanted to introduce her to you and both of us share how gratefull we were to experience a great game in even better seats…even though MSU still lost, it was an emotional rollercoaster to the final seconds.
Brandi and I had a wonderful time at the game on Saturday. I regret not telling this to you sooner, but thank you very much Larry. I will try to show more etiquette in the future. I hope you can forgive me.
Sincerely,
Kirk Haminger
Achiever, Responsibility, Adaptability, Arranger, Empathy
September 18th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
And thanks once again for paying for and standing over that hot grill again so we can all have a very nice meal.
September 18th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
What is with the term “MY BAD” people have come up with a way to admit error and skip the part about saying Im sorry!
September 18th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Thank you Larry and Teresa for the yummy lunch!
September 18th, 2009 at 3:36 pm
Great point Diane. I hate ” my bad”
Thanks for lunch Larry and Teresa! It’s always the best.
Why does my grilled cooking at home taste like crap in comparison?
September 18th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Kirk, that was so nice. I know how you feel, I always have the best intentions and MEAN to do things the proper way by sending out thank you cards and things like that, but just get caught up in the day to day stuff and keep putting it off. Next thing I know months have gone by… =(
I do however do my best to use my please and thank you’s and address people properly. LOL- I am 29 years old and still address my aunts and uncle with aunt or uncle in front (i.e- Uncle Gary).
It is sad that more people don’t take the time to be polite and use etiquette like they did back in the day.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Kirk- apology accepted if you can contact the NCAA and get the last penalty nulified. HA! I appreciate your comments and we will chalk it up to you not yelling loud enough to distract Central’s kicker and as a lesson learned. The greatest thing about “thank you’s” is that they are typically free to give. In the meantime, GO GREEN!
September 18th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
Great point Larry! We do live in a world where people think they just “deserve”. I do have to say that I am deeply appreciative of having a job. I appreciate everyone that I work with! I always make sure that when I go to a store that I tell the cashier or clerk “thank you very much!” I even tell my girlfriend thank you when she makes dinner (and vise versa.) I don’t expect much from people, but am always appreciative when someone does something for me. Thank you so much for the awesome lunch today – those Angus Beef hot dogs were delicious! Gratitude shows respect for others.
September 18th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
amen, larry! another sad commentary on today’s reality.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Lunch was very much appreciated today LG. You & teresa are always thinking of us. Thank you again for all that you do. Have a GREAT weekend
September 19th, 2009 at 9:47 am
Saying Thank you doesn’t take but a minute of your time and cost absolutely nothing, but can make the recepient feel like a million dollars.
Thank you Larry and Teresa for another fabulous lunch!! I always look forward to them and enjoy not only the food but being able to see and talk to those we don’t get a chance to see. You always take the time to do special things like that (and many others) for us the least we can do is let you know how much it is appreciated.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:55 am
I was so excited for the company lunch. The hotdogs are the best. I ate two! Thanks Larry and Teresa.
September 19th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I’m going to brag and say I am one of the most appreciative people I know. I love sending unexpected cards, fruit baskets and little gifts when they are least expected. I grew up around old school values and carry them on. Enough boasting… LOL
Lg and Teresa, you’ve made my time here so enjoyable! Teresa, thanks for always being there for me when I just needed someone to talk to. It means more to me to have owners who care about their employees as people and not just profits.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:03 am
I am sorry that I did not get back to you after the game. I do appreciate everything that occurs in my life. I had all intentions on sending you a Thank you card, but I am still waiting on the pictures from my son. I wanted you to see the excitment on his face. I Have always thanked you and Teresa for all the things you both do for all your employees and I did say thank you several times through the blog and through e-mail. I am truly sorry, and truly thankful for everything.
September 21st, 2009 at 8:59 am
Larry and Teresa,
Thank you for the awesome lunch on Friday!! Very much appreciated:)
I would love to know where you found angus hot dogs, they were so good!!! I looked at the grocery store yesterday but did not find any…lol. Thanks again for all you do:)
September 21st, 2009 at 9:00 am
I always forget to repond after I read these blog’s…
Thank you very much for lunch Larry, and Teresa!!! I really enjoy the veggie options you go out of the way for!! I too am thankful for the oppurtunity to work with a great bunch. Most importantly for wonderful owners who go all out and really lead by example.
Thank you.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:36 am
LG:
Thank you so much for lunch and also the Anniversary Nailco $. I plan on saving it for a paid day off so I may spend a long weekend with my sisters.
I do concider myself to be very appreciative of people and I make sure my boys are also. They do not get to keep a gift that has been mailed until they send a thank you note. I don’t make them do a big deal…just a quick thanks and if it is $, they need to say what they plan on spenindg it on.
September 21st, 2009 at 9:48 am
Just wanted to thank you again for the lunch. I did thank you in person.
Just want to thank you and Teresa again.
September 21st, 2009 at 10:32 am
Larry & Teresa,
i apologize for never sending a card personally to you both, and for that I’m totaling ignorant and ashamed. But i have always sent an e-mail for everything. I would never take you both for granted. The lunches I don’t go to, but I appreciate them for my co-workers just as much. I from now on will show that my mother did raise someone with class and appreciation. You two are the best always, and for that I thank-you again.
September 21st, 2009 at 12:06 pm
I guess I grew up in that era that you send a thank you note, make a phone call etc…or the gratitude fairy was going to bop you on the head…oh, maybe that was my mom??? I do make sure that my daughter takes the time to do it also. With all the 14 year old eyeball rolling now I know she will be grateful one day.
Larry and Teresa, I don’t think there are big enough “thank you’s” for all that you do, but just in case I ever do forget THANK YOU!
September 21st, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Larry & Teresa,
Thank you again for a wonderful lunch…the Angus Hot Dogs are the best. I also ate two!! Its always such a great surprise to get to FH for the day and find out you cooked for all of us again.
All you do is greatly appreciated!!! At lunch time and through out the whole year!!
September 28th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Larry – Teresa.
Thank you for your hospitality Friday evening, the food was great, the stories were even better.
Saturday was also a great night, a Kemon Night!
I have to say, I don’t know many in the business that do it like you do.
Congratulations on what was 2 super events and thanks for allowing me to be part of them.
Steve
PS: I think Sunday worked out pretty well to!!
October 1st, 2009 at 2:26 pm
So should the winner of the Chicago Marathon call and thank all the sponsors for the $100k in prize money for winning? If someone wins a contest and beats everyone else, shouldn’t that person be on the receiving end of the thank you? At the very most, thank yous should be exchanged by both parties when the contest winner receives the reward from the sponsor of the contest.