One needn’t be a fuddy-duddy or a puritan to bemoan the coarseness that pervades contemporary society. Whether it’s the over-seasoning of everyday speech with salty language or the preference to extend a finger rather than a helping hand, rudeness seems more widespread than in the past, and certainly more widely tolerated.
Anyone who has been job hunting recently probably has seen rudeness at work – and maybe even exhibited it personally. But let’s look at the employer side of the equation first.
The way some organizations approach hiring is essentially rude, in the sense of being ignorant and primitive. Take the sales executive who gets frustrated by his staff’s inability to meet a target. Instead of trying to determine the underlying reasons for the sales shortfall – the competition’s products might be better, the sales team’s marketing materials inadequate, pricing could be off, or the target itself unrealistic – the executive hastily decides he needs a real mover who’s going to get out there and sell. He advertises for an aggressive go-getter and hires a high-pressure “closer” who will show the current sales deadheads how it’s done.
Whether or not Mr. Dynamo works out, the rude message his hiring sends to existing employees is that their efforts and way of doing business are inadequate and unappreciated. The price of rudeness? Some of the “deadwood” leaves and sales continue to stagnate or decline.
How about the way many prospective employers treat job applicants? Talk about rudeness! The job seeker responds to an advertisement, takes time to go on an interview and follows up with a thank-you note. Then nothing. Neither the person doing the hiring nor the human resources representative ever calls or writes to explain what’s going on. Or maybe the job hunter is offered a position, takes it, and then reports to work only to find that no one knows she’s coming and hasn’t even prepared a place to sit!
At small companies, rudeness can’t even be attributed to bureaucracy. Mom and pop owners themselves can fail to respond to job hunters, keep them waiting when interviewing or, if they decide to hire someone, treat the employee as a personal valet.
Since rudeness, in essence, is lack of consideration for others, its presence frays the social fabric and makes everyday work life unpleasant and, ultimately, unproductive. Help turn the tide, and at the same time use the prevailing surliness to your advantage.
First, stamp out rudeness in your own behavior. When job-hunting, always write thank-you notes to those who help you network, to recruiters and interviewers. At worst, recipients will think you’re overly polite. Most times, because your consideration stands out so sharply in a sea of rudeness, you will be remembered as a classy and superior candidate.
Next, treat everyone with courtesy. Receptionists, secretaries and assistants often are more powerful than you think. Since they frequently are ignored or treated with overt rudeness, your kindness will be noted. And a favorable word from them can land you a job or a referral.
Finally, note the rudeness level at the organizations where you job- hunt. If too many people are surly, inconsiderate, indifferent or simply rude, steer clear.
Article – Copyright 2000 Evan Cooper. Syndicated by ParadigmTSA
