Can you Groom your personality?
G. Ravishankar
We are interacting with various kinds of people and have developed certain personality. However, grooming your
personal etiquette can help to have distinctive status in the society.
It has been aptly said, “Behaviour is a mirror in which everyone displays his image.” A man is judged by his manners and wins popularity, goodwill, friends and success in personal and professional life, due to his behaviour. His conduct at home, public, at the work place, in society, in business dealings and relationship, can make or mar his life. Certain basic etiquette such as personal traits, conversation skills, talking on telephone, written communication, mingling with people during social gatherings, introduction and greetings, maintaining good relationship, etiquette at work
place can help to enhance the image of an organization.
We need to bear in mind the fact that while speaking on a telephone, the persona can only be heard, so the
tone of your voice is as important as what you say. Speak clearly and politely in a modulated voice. Lasting impressions and associations can be formed on the basis of the voice and words alone.
Let’s discuss about major aspects of personal grooming to take optimum advantage in the work place.
Never speak with your mouthful while drinking or chewing. It is unrefined as your words come out muffled. I
Try to attend calls within three or four rings or else the persona might disconnect it.
The most familiar way of answering a call is by simply saying “ Hello’ and waiting for the caller to identify himself. However, alternatively, the
telephone can be given or give your name.
Nothing is more irritating than to get a constantly engaged tone. Time is precious. Do not cause inconvenience to others by carrying on long conversation, discussing trivial matter or having chatty gossip sessions. Telephone is not meant to pass your time or to take the place of face to face communication. Remember, someone may be trying to contact you with an important message or in an emergency. Long winding talk on telephone becomes annoying especially on a busy day.
We all need to convey our displeasure at some wrongful act at sometime or another as also to handle disagreements and criticism. We may make a complaint about a poor cquality product, an inapt service, a wrong billing or a breach of etiquette. One’s immediate reaction of anger and hurt at the
Behaviour of others. In the heat of the moment, one often says words or takes action which one compounding the problems. TO be angry with the right person, in a right manner and to a right degree is not easy but learn to curb controlling of a minute, you may avoid the remorse of a lifetime.
We need to deal with complaints in a civil polite way. Talk to the concerned person and if still aggrieved, approach higher management with proof of the taken by you and the unhelpful response elicited.
Do not use threatening or abusive language. IT often leads to hardening of stand negative response. It is natural to be upset at bad service but if one is reasonable about it, the matter can be settled amicably. Make an effort to see the other person’s point of view, his limitations in helping you or his inability to do so. Most firms are conscious of their reputations and do make an attempt to try and be accommodating by looking into your complaint systematically. However, a rude and curt tone might be a unreasonable demand; an uncalled for remark and behaviour a definitely not going to fetch you the desired result.
If you do not agree with their view point, try to neutral approach lime, “ I don’t think I understand you:” or This does not appear to be correct: Avoid using words which put people on the defeensing. Take a follow up action and once the complaint has been looked into to your satisfaction, thank the concerned persons graciously. The gesture never fails and invokes appreciation and gratitude.
As far as criticism is concerned, it should be constructive and positive. It should not be malicious. Insulting anyone is never good manners but history is replete with examples of it being done with aplomb and wit. Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wilde, Sinston Churchill Dorothy Parker have innumerable quotes to their credit. In fact they raised sarcastic retorts to new heights of wit.
Winston Churchill was well known for his dry humour.
“Lady Astor was once reported to have commented, Winston, if you were my husband I should fvalour your coffee with poison.” Pat came his reply, “If you were my wife, I should drink it.”
Compliments are excellent confidence boosters. Be sincere in your compliments. Learn to accept compliments graciously. A simple, ‘Thank you’ will suffice often. IT is not necessary to return a complement. Don’t try and downplay the compliment or shrug it off as unimportant. However, don’t be over modest about your achievements. Dishonest humility is also a repelling character trait.
It’s really possible to try to continuously develop our personality. What we have learnt can be compared to the “handful of sand”. However, what we have not learnt can be compared as high as “the world” Little improvements daily can have great impact and it can certainly be achieved.
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