When I was young man, others told me my parents were pretty strict.  I didn't think my parents were strict at all. It's just the way we were raised.  There were some pretty basic rules I remember following when it came to courtesy.  Some call them common courtesy.  But, I'm starting to think it's not as common as you might think.  So, today I'm going to give you a few rules of common courtesy. They will not be in any specific order.  Please apply to your work and home life. Hope you enjoy.

Derek's Rules of Common Courtesy

1. Hold the door for people
2. Say thank you when someone holds the door for you
3. If someone says hello, say hello back
4. Listen, don't wait to talk
5. If you must interrupt someone, say excuse me
6. If someone sneezes, say bless you, gesundheit, or something similar
7. Say goodbye to your boss and colleagues before you leave for the day
8. If someone sends you an invitation, either confirm it or deny it.  Don't not respond
9. Don't take credit for work others have done
10. Look people in the eye when they are talking to you
11. Say please
12. Say thank you (hand written thank you's are a big bonus when appropriate)
13. Don't talk on you mobile phone while in a checkout line
14. Turn off your mobile phone while at the theater or restaurant
15. When in traffic and you come to a yield sign...yield
16. When in traffic and you come to a N-way stop...stop
17. Arrive at appointments or meetings on time
18. If you say you're going to do something, do it
19. If you drink the last of the coffee, please make another pot
20. If you use the last of the toilet paper, please replace the roll (at least tell someone)

I would love to hear if you have a rule to add to the list.

Regards,

Derek