I’ve had a number of conversations lately and read some articles and blogs bemoaning the apparent death of basic etiquette. It seems that there is nothing common about common courtesy. The lack of courtesy is not restricted by generation, gender or job description.

I’m not talking about road rage or cellphone use (don’t get me started on that one). I’m talking about basic business etiquette. If an individual takes the time to meet with someone from outside their organization whether it’s an interview, a sales call, a “brain picking” exercise, etc., a thank you email or card is in order no matter what the outcome of the discussion. Have we become so self-absorbed that we can’t take a minute or two to thank someone for sharing some of their time with us?

Sheila Hamilton