Remember when your mother used to tell you to “mind your manners” when you left the house. Well, maybe your mother didn’t, but mine did. Those manners to be minded weren’t just about saying please and thank you or chewing with your mouth closed. They were about the way we treat people and the importance of being kind to everyone.

One Londoner got a big surprise after he told someone to #%&! himself on a crowded subway ride later to find out that that same man was the person who was interviewing him for a job. Needless to say, the rude man did not get the job. Read more…http://mashable.com/2015/02/20/london-commuter-job-interview/

The way we treat all people is very telling about our character. And it isn’t just the people we think matter…it’s everyone. In fact, for me, it is a real measuring stick about an individual. If they use the right fork at dinner, but are rude to the wait staff, they don’t win any points with me.

So, here are some of my tips are how to treat everyone with respect:

Don’t swear at people, even if you feel like it. To swear at people, any people, is a sign you lack self-control.

Be kind and respectful to wait staff and people in service positions. It may be their job to serve you, but it isn’t their job to take your abuse.

Smile and be polite to the receptionist in any situation, but especially going in for job interviews. Her boss may be asking her later how you treated her.

Control the road rage. You never know who you might be flipping off or shouting at.

Be kind, even if people are unkind to you. Returning rudeness with rudeness is a no win situation. And it says you are rude too.

So, the next time you feel like screaming at someone, take the high road and remember, diplomacy is an art. And being kind is the right thing to do.