by Laurie Schloff/Senior Coaching Partner
Bravo to columnist and author of the new book I See Rude People by Amy Alkon. Fed up, she invoices telemarketers for interrupting her evening peace, and makes considerate calls to tell others they lack consideration. I was shocked to find that Amy lives in California. We communication professionals in the Northeast thought that perhaps the cold well….made people cold. Seems like there just isn’t motivation for minding manners anywhere.
All people want good relationships and a safe, pleasant community.
So,why are we creating a surly civilization? Amy Alkon thinks it’s human nature. Amy, I (respectfully) disagree on this point.
As a career observer of why people may not always choose the right words, I want to explore why most of us are, at least at times, not on our best behavior. Understand the causes and then we’re ready for the cure.
So here we go with some reasons Why We See Rude People:
1. Values Issue—Being kind isn’t emphasized or rewarded.
2. Impulse Issue–Not having much control over emotions, especially when there are few consequences
3. Skills Issues–Some don’t have the words, tone or demeanor to act more kindly
4. Empathy Issue–Trouble understanding impact of behavior on others
Let us know your reasons for rudeness. Then we’ll move on to what to do about it.
