Liz Strauss at Successful Blog

Thinking, writing, business ideas … You’re only a stranger once.

February 9, 2007

Yes, Please! — Thank You! — You’re Welcome!

ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 8:53 am

I've been thinking . . .

I’ve been thinking about a post called Dante would be proud, at the Church of the Customer for two weeks now. The post is only 7 lines long, but points to a Wall Street Journal article about a law firm that is teaching it’s partners to have manners.

It sounds like they’re learning via PowerPoint. Ouch!

I can understand the position they’re in. I lost my manners once. I’m not sure when or where they went. Maybe they left when we changed to a casual dress code at work, or maybe they flew the coop when parents let their kids call adults by first names. I don’t know

I just know that mine were restored by a lovely 8-year-old Australian girl.

We were at a gathering at a home where I was staying while working on a publishing project. The young lady’s mother was an author on the project and is a friend. This young lady herself is a fabulous conversation partner. While we were talking, I volunteered to help her fill her plate from the massive buffet that was being offered. My arms were longer.

Each time I asked, Would you like this?

My sweet new acquaintance answered with, Yes, please. Thank you! or No, thank you.

How could I NOT say You’re welcome to a smiling face saying that? How could I not MEAN You’re welcome? It felt good to help her choose what she liked.

Several Yes, pleases in a row took me back to second grade, hearing my teacher say, We’re polite to show other people we care and to give them our respect.

I’ve been saying, Yes, please. No, thank you. and You’re Welcome. ever since. In a way, saying, Yes please, makes me feel brand new — like a kid again.

Yes please is so much more fun to say than just saying Yes.

This weekend I’m going to be saying Yes, please! Thank you! You’re Welcome! whenever I can

Thank you for reading this. . . . Thank you again. :)

Liz's Signature


Filed under Motivation/Inspiration, Successful Blog |



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11 Comments to “Yes, Please! — Thank You! — You’re Welcome!”

  1. February 9th, 2007 at 9:53 am
    Maria Palma said

    Liz,

    We’re definitely in sync with this one again. Just this morning I dropped off my parents at the airport and when the airport attendee asked if we needed help unloading, I said, “Yes, please.”

    I’m not sure why I remember that little incident, but on the drive back home I kept thinking how much nicer the world would be if people just said “please” and “thank you” once in awhile ;)

  2. February 9th, 2007 at 9:55 am
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Maria!
    It does feel good to both say it and hear it. Please has a lovely sound and is lovely to look at.

    I think your mother must have know my mother. :)

  3. February 9th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
    Francie said

    You’re welcome, Liz! I love reading what you write.

    This one is such an important skill that is neglected by many service businesses. It is more uncommon than common these days to have a cashier/clerk say please and thank you. But, it needs to start from the top down. If the managers make sure to add please and thank you when directing their staff, it might improve.

    Thanks for letting me share,
    Francie

  4. February 9th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Francie!
    You’re welcome. You’re always welcome! I love reading what you write too. That makes for a nice combination, doesn’t it? :)

    Your point about the person at the top is so smart. That’s the person who makes a culture. If that person is strong and enthusiastic and polite, the culture will reflect that. End of story. :)

    Share and share and share — the conversation only gets stronger when you do. :)

  5. February 9th, 2007 at 12:37 pm
    Robyn McMaster said

    Liz, I always like to “visit” here because I always feel welcome. And, I love the way you welcome newbies as much as more seasoned bloggers. You really play out the whole notion of “please,” “thank you” and “you’re welcome.”

    And, thanks for a refreshing blog.

  6. February 9th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
    Bits and Pieces - February 10 « Ian’s Messy Desk said

    [...] Yes, Please! — Thank You! — You’re Welcome! – Liz Strauss on courtesy and manners. [...]

  7. February 9th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
    John said

    Thank you, Liz. Please write more. :) Traditional manners are not in line with my, let’s say, particular *idiom*, but I will use them with you, because you’re Liz. >:D

    Sincerely yours,
    -John

  8. February 9th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi John,
    Thank you. I feel really special. :)
    Liz

  9. February 9th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
    ME Strauss said

    Hi Robyn,
    So sorry you got stuck in Akismet. I was out meeting with some new Chicago bloggers. But I came back to find your great comment. Thank you so much.

    I like your visits. They’re like a waterfall, refreshing and wonderful. :)

  10. August 25th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
    CustomersAreAlways said

    How Much Happier and More Helpful Would the World Be?…

    What if everyone said "Please"?What if everyone said "Thank you"?How much happier and more helpful would the world be if people were just nicer?Just stop and ponder that for a moment.  Pretty darn amazing, eh?…

  11. August 26th, 2007 at 5:59 am
    ME Strauss said

    Ah! Yes! It would be pretty darn amazing. Wouldn’t it?!!!

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