Do manners matter at Project? Should you really be expected to be polite all the time, or can you bend the rules in the name of efficiency or self-preservation?
Do manners matter at Project? Should you really be expected to be polite all the time, or can you bend the rules in the name of efficiency or self-preservation? Saving Changes...
Sort By:
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
That is a very general question because 'manners' and 'politeness' are very objective and is also dependent on culture. But like with everything in life it tasks nothing to be nice to others. The old saying 'treats others the way you want to be treated' comes to mind. But in my opinion, this does not give anybody a license to do whatever they want and expect people to be nice to them. And people have emotions, we all get upset at some time, it's about how you channel it. But nobody can be expected to be nice all the time just for the sake of efficiency. And if you are nice for the sake of self-preservation then you probably have double standards. Saving Changes...
Sir , Good Morning. Well said explanation. Now youngsters are mostly preferring comfort zone which is not possible always in projects. Saving Changes...
RACHANA BAGHELProject engineer| Finisar Malaysia Sdn Bhd.Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Very well said. Be polite all the time doesn't work. Sometimes to show or to proof effectiveness and efficiency , need to be firm and hard w.r.t situation and time.But ,need to handle that situation wisely. Saving Changes...
Hi Anton ,
Well Noted.
No doubt what you said .
But i would like to say "Be Professional" in all conditions and in all roles of life..
from my point of view ,If you behave like professional , it does not mean that you are not doing manner.
What is your view on this ? Saving Changes...
Good manners based on professionalism is required for successful project management especially in difficult or challenging work environment. Also, because diverse stakeholders would demand diverse approach to get their cooperation. Good attitude to management bring greater success than rude display of expertise. So, manners matters in project management just like most life endeavours. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
Act in whatever manner gets you the short-term and long-term results you desire. For example, you can yell at your team to get a task done quickly so you meet a deadline, but then word might spread that you tell at people, and in the future resources might choose not to work for you, or you might be passed over for a promotion because you're viewed as a bad leader. Only you can decide if the short-term and long-term costs of any action make it worth performing. Saving Changes...
You may better clarify the question. However, professional behavior is always required. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Good manners could be seen to follow ethical guidelines like the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The code is based on four generally accepted human values, which are inherent to all of us and drive our behaviors and feelings. These are the values of respect, responsibility, honesty and fairness (for further reading look at Rushworth-Kidder, Moral Courage). In some situations, these values may conflict with each other (e.g. honesty vs. respect), then we make a judgement and decision.
Politeness can be seen as an expression of respect, so its an ethical behavior. If it contradicts with, say honesty (not lying), we make a judgement if to be polite or truthful.
Good manners could be seen to follow ethical guidelines like the PMI Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.
The code is based on four generally accepted human values, which are inherent to all of us and drive our behaviors and feelings. These are the values of respect, responsibility, honesty and fairness (for further reading look at Rushworth-Kidder, Moral Courage). In some situations, these values may conflict with each other (e.g. honesty vs. respect), then we make a judgement and decision.
Politeness can be seen as an expression of respect, so its an ethical behavior. If it contradicts with, say honesty (not lying), we make a judgement if to be polite or truthful.
