Common Courtesy – seems to be a lost concept! What I understand as common seems to have become sporadic or rare. Have you experienced that?

 If you see someone with their hands full coming toward a closed door, what is your response? Keep walking, act like you don’t see them, or take action to open the door for them?

If the coffee pot is employ at 10am in your office break room, do you start a new pot or figure someone else will do it?

Oh, there are so many other examples.

With the emphasis over the years on being aware of diversity and political correctness, it seems we have lost a sense of connection to respect, caring, and helping each other. And age or generational differences do not appear to impact this.

Begin to reflect when and where you could engage in ‘common’ courtesy. Perhaps as simple as saying ‘Good Morning’ to the server of your special coffee, the garage attendant, or office mate.

And be aware of your intention, the reason behind your action. If you do something only because you are told that it is expected, then your insincerity will reduce the effectiveness of your action.

Create a mindset of respect and caring for others. With a courtesy mindset, you will know when and where to extend common courtesy.