Introducing... Back to Basics Series – A Happy Business is a Profitable Business
This is the first post in a new series starting next week that I’m calling “Back to Basics – A Happy Business is a Profitable Business.” For those of you who are just starting to grapple with the issues of building a happy and profitable business, it will serve as an introduction to the basic concepts that underlie much of what Extraordinary People is all about. If you are already familiar with the “Happy Business” concept, it will serve as a refresher of what you should be doing and to help you out in case you’ve got off track.
At this point, I’m not sure how long the series will be. I intend to keep going until; a) I run out of topics to cover, or b) people start asking me to stop. :-)
Happiness and profit are uncomfortable bedfellows for some people. However, studies show that a “happy business is a more profitable business.” Over the past few weeks, many of the posts have addressed the idea that, as a manager or business owner, you can’t make people happy – anymore than you can motivate and empower people. This I believe to be true – people choose to be happy or not! However, you can create an environment where the choice to be happy becomes possible, and I want to introduce you to the idea that “Courtesy” is at the heart of such an environment.
If you’ve been following the past posts about a “Happy Business,” you will remember I mentioned something about a “” (by the way, if you haven’t seen those posts, I highly encourage you to go back into the archives and check them out).
The Courtesy System is designed to ensure that we always deal with each other in a pleasant, courteous and considerate manner. The concept of the Courtesy System originated from an Australian Dentist by the name of Dr. Paddi Lund in the 1990’s. During that time, his development of the Courtesy System radically changed his approach to dentistry. Once I learned of it, it drastically changed my approach to business!
A Courtesy System is not just a method to help people to be more polite or nicer to work with. It is a powerful management tool that helps everyone communicate more effectively, and to increase their efficiency and happiness at work.
You may be thinking that Courtesy System is just what your company needs. However, like any new concept, it can take significant effort to introduce and implement effectively. You can’t just ask your employees to be courteous and have it happen! As all things worthwhile, you may have to work at it. But, in my opinion it is well worth the effort!
I bet you’re wondering how a system developed by a dentist could possibly be of any benefit to your business. Well, like all systems, it can be adapted for use by other types of businesses – and I’ve done just that! Our Courtesy System is a social system that consists of 8 simple principles that I will share with you over the coming weeks.
Now I bet you’re thinking that if the principles are simple, then the Courtesy System will be easy to implement. Well, just like most of the simple things in life, it is easier said than done (for example, the principles to lose weight are simple – eat less, exercise more – but they’re not easy!) What I do know from firsthand experience, is how powerful these principles can be in all aspects of your life and your business – when properly implemented, of course!
I can’t promise that the Courtesy System will fix all of your business problems – and it definitely isn’t a replacement for poor management. However, I have seen the profound difference it can make when properly used in many different types of businesses.
So, look out for the "Back to Basics" Series, it starts here next week.
In the meantime, I’d like to pose a question, “if you’re just now learning about the Courtesy System, what is the most intriguing aspect of it for you and your business?”
Your Courtesy System article is on the money.
Here's another angle. People can't accept responsibility for their actions. This morning, driving to work, I was a safe distance behind a car. He pulled thru an intersection stopping short as the rear of his car crossed the other side. I beeped as I could have hit him. He decided to pick up someone on the corner. As I passed, he gave me the 1 finger salute accompanied by shouting the corresponding verbage. So HE made the mistake, but I'm at fault.
Common courtesy and treating other people like human beings is forgotten
Posted by: Glenn | 23/06/2009 at 05:23 PM