"PLEASE"

 

Let us face it; most of us rely on the help and assistance of others throughout our day - at work, home, and out in the community.  Sometimes we may not even realize how much we are relying on others to accomplish what we need to get done.  Every great leader will tell you that you cannot rise to the top without the help of others.

Saying "please" to everyone when asking for anything - regardless of whether or not it is a person’s job or responsibility to help you - is a principle so important that we are devoting this article to help you tap into the “Power of Please.”

Effects of the “Magic Word”

At the most basic level, when we use the word please, it shows respect and consideration for the effort another person puts forth to help us.  Including please with your request is not only a social norm but, if communicated with a genuine sense of appreciation, it is a powerful way to establish rapport, build relationships, and develop your own character.

When we say please, people are more willing to fulfill our request or provide the help we need. As the adage goes, “You have to give respect to get respect.” When you are polite and say please, people are more likely to respect you in return.  And, without a doubt, your consistent use of please (with everyone, all the time) is a little thing that will most definitely help you stand out in a crowd of busy people who are mindful only of their own time schedules and to-do lists.

Subconscious or Intentional

Even for those of us who pride ourselves on impeccable manners and almost always say please, it bears noting that how we say it really does matter. When you say subconsciously 'please,’ you are referring to the requests we put on autopilot. For example:

• Please move so I can get a fork.
• Will you please tell me why this could not wait until tomorrow?
• Please stop that tapping! I cannot think!

Technically, these common messages include the word please, but let us take a look at how they differ from these similar requests.

• Would you mind handing me a fork, please?
• Could we please discuss this matter tomorrow, John, after I have had a chance to catch up?
• Will you please do me a favour? I am having a really tough time concentrating right now. A few minutes of quiet would be a great help.
• As you read them, I am sure you noted that the second set of messages is more pleasant and courteous - intentionally so. If you were on the receiving end of these requests, which would you likely be more agreeable to comply with - the subconscious or the intentional?

The challenge to you today is this: never allow yourself to ask someone to do something for you without saying please.  As you become more intentional about saying please, be conscious of how you say it.  Does it sound like you mean it?

The key to every successful relationship is putting the other person’s needs ahead of your own. You can take a step towards stronger relationships every day with one simple, yet powerful word: "please".

As usual, we remind you to take your Memo Plus Gold daily. It will help to keep you alert and mentally sharp. For more information or to order for Memo Plus Gold, please visit : https://oze.my.