Courtesies: It's the small things we do that count Published Jan. 25, 2011 By Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Trottier 21st Space Wing command chief PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Many people don't know this about me, but I have a super power. The problem I have with this wonderfully amazing ability is I can't always control it; it come and goes intermittently. What is my super power, you ask? It is invisibility. It only seems to happen when I'm standing in certain customer service areas. I'm sure I'm invisible because the customer service representative can't see me - or so it seems. I'll stand and wait for many minutes before I'm finally acknowledged. I know we've all experienced this phenomenon. It is called a lack of customer service or just not having common courtesy. I know we are all familiar with these courtesies as they are truly very basic, but they are worth repeating. It is a short list of easy, everyday courtesies we all can use to make not only the office an improved place to work for everyone, but everyday life much better. The first thing we can do is say "please" and "thank you" more often. It's as easy as that! By simply saying "please" and "thank you" to people, you're not only showing true respect for that individual, but you're also showing that you value their time, contributions and who they are as a person. Try adding these two phrases to your conversations and see the reactions you receive. You might even sprinkle in a "good morning" or "good-bye". Don't be afraid to let the people around you know that you care about them. The next courtesy is better known as the "Golden Rule." Taught to me by my mom when I was just a small boy, this courtesy will do more for your interpersonal relationships than any other. Treat others how you want to be treated. If you like to be talked to with respect, chances are, so do the people around you. It can be hard to remember to always treat others respectfully, especially when you are in a hurry However, by approaching any situation in a calm, understanding state of mind, you will not only get more things accomplished, you will also establish good rapport with your co-workers. Here is where I would like to go back to my super power. By simply acknowledging me at the service window with a simple "I'll be right with you," they would have shown me they respect my time. Look introspectively at yourself. This third rule may not be a courtesy but it will help with how we deal with other people and is still very important. Many times people think they are acting in a courteous manner, but it isn't so much how you view your actions that matters, but rather how your actions are perceived by others. That's why it's important to reflect on how your actions and comments might be construed by those around you. It only takes just a few extra moments to show the courtesy that lets others know you respect them and value their feelings. American poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy." Here is another rule and, if followed, will do a lot for a workplace. Try smiling more often. Smiling will many times make up for our other deficiencies and multiplies the benefits of the previous courtesies. A smile adds sincerity to our actions and can turn even the coldest, grouchiest, meanest person into a pussycat. I've heard it said a smile is contagious and I know this to be true. I once worked in a work center where our flight NCOIC never smiled. She seemed to be the most miserable person I ever met. This demeanor spread like a virus into the morale of the office. We were all miserable. The work days were long and everyone just wanted to be somewhere else. Fortunately this was only a temporary situation. Our NCOIC retired and her replacement was just the opposite. A happy outgoing individual and his constant cheerful smile just lifted everyone's spirits. Our morale and productivity skyrocketed. I know these courtesies don't come as a big surprise to most of you, but sometimes it is the small simple things we are most likely to forget. A sincere "thank you" or treating someone with respect will pay huge dividends beyond the short term. Not only will you brighten the day of the people around you, you'll find your days will be filled with many more blessings. As I work to get out of the office and visit work centers around base, I look forward to seeing everyone...I just hope my super power doesn't kick in at the wrong time and you are able to see me, too.