National Common Courtesy Day: How Your Soft Skills Shape Your Professional Brand
- Bethany Skorik
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
March 21st is National Common Courtesy Day—and a timely reminder that small behaviors in the workplace can make a big impact on how we’re perceived.
Courtesy is more than saying “please” and “thank you”—it’s about respect, presence, and self-awareness. Yet even seasoned professionals can fall into habits that quietly chip away at their image.
Here are a few courtesy missteps I see most often in the workplace:
Gossiping - There's no room in the office for this toxic behavior. It makes you look weak and reduces others' ability to trust you.
Financial Bragging - It's terrible manners to discuss personal finances, donations, and purchases at work. You should keep your spending habits private and never ask someone what they paid for things (especially homes, vehicles, vacations, and clothing).
Interrupting - Talking over others in meetings is draining and frustrating to everyone present.
Over exaggerating - Rarely can you get away with exaggerating facts in the workplace. Even small embellishments can lead to a reputation for lying, which is one of the fastest ways to destroy your integrity.
Poor hygiene - Every person should be wearing deodorant and carrying gum/mints
Lunchroom - Eating loudly or bringing strong-smelling lunches to shared spaces is a huge turnoff. Please, never, ever heat up fish in the microwave!
Talking on Speakerphone in shared spaces disrupts everyone else's work.
These little things matter. They affect how others experience you—and how you’re remembered long after the meeting ends.
As a coach in etiquette and executive presence, I help professionals elevate their communication style, polish their behavior, and build strong personal brands rooted in respect, kindness, and clarity. If you're ready to refine how you show up—I'd love to help.
Visit www.thecharmingdiplomat.com to learn more about my services!
Sincerely,
Bethany
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