Why Miss Manners Isn't Entirely Full of It
The following entry was written especially for Mommybloggers by our guest blogger, Julie of Mothergoosemouse.
I was a Girl Scout for five years. While I earned my share of merit badges and went to sleep-away camp each summer, the area of scouting in which I really excelled was cookie sales. And not because my grandmother bought a dozen boxes of Thin Mints each year (which she squirreled away in the freezer and brought out as a treat in the heat of August).
Not because I was a fabulous salesperson either. And certainly not because I spent every afternoon trekking around the neighborhood, ringing doorbells.
No, it was because I knew how to use the telephone properly, and I wasn't scared to do so.
I called all of our neighbors. And my grandmother's neighbors. And my parents' friends. I dialed, I identified myself, I asked to speak to them, I made my pitch, and I wrote down order after order after order - all while I was snug and warm inside my house.
I never called anyone who wouldn't recognize me. Nor did I send my order sheet to work with my father. I only sold cookies to those people who would have happily invited me into their homes anyway.
Fellow troop-mates accused me of cheating. I pointed out that the order sheet specifically said "A telephone call may mean a sale" and collected my prizes (along with dozens of cases of cookies that DID have to be delivered in person).
So while fellow mommies may think I'm a bit high-strung in my efforts to teach my daughters manners, I know from experience just how far good manners can take them. Not just saying "please" and "thank you" and learning to share, but how to get along with others and respectfully defend your position (even when you'd rather just smack them with a sand shovel). Not just listening to what you're told and following directions, but how to meet - and exceed - expectations. And not just answering the telephone or placing a call, but how to exchange sincere pleasantries and make polite requests (even when you'd rather just cut to the chase - "ya gonna buy some cookies or what?").
Because these are lessons that will serve them well, no matter what paths they choose as adults. Whether they've got a message to get across in the classroom, the boardroom, or their very own dining room, they'll need to know how to communicate well with others - starting with basic good manners...and a box of Thin Mints to seal the deal.
For more amazing essay written by Julie, visit her at her personal blog, Mothergoosemouse.
Comments
See, I'm scared of the phone, so I totally fail on this one.
BUT, I did the door-to-door and won the top prize in our troop one year. ;-)
Posted by: Kari | January 26, 2007 11:52 AM
I had no idea I cheated until I read your post. My parents both took my cookie order sheets to work, and my Mom was even the brownie leader!
Posted by: Susie J | January 26, 2007 8:37 PM
I'm with you on the importance of manners, my friend. It will take us a long way in life.
I didn't cheat when selling cookies, either -- though due to my reticent nature, I certainly didn't make top producer in my troop! ;-)
Posted by: Nancy | January 28, 2007 12:08 PM
There's nothing high strung about teaching your kids manners. Politeness is one of the cornerstones of a civilized society and yes, I feel like a total square putting that statement in writing but I happen to feel it's true.
So you'll never get any flack from me about it. I think it's awesome :)
Posted by: Izzy | January 29, 2007 8:29 PM