Revolving Etiquette
I was downtown the other day and ran into an interesting situation…
Two colleagues, one man and one woman, were approaching a revolving door at an office building. As they drew near the door, they had a slightly awkward moment trying to figure out who should go first. Who do you think should go first?
A. The woman — it’s standard practice that a woman always goes first.
B. The man — he should get the door started.
C. Neither — just avoid the situation and head for the regular door.
The correct answer is B; the man should go through the revolving door to get the door started. This is one of those etiquette rules that could have you unwittingly appear rude because it seems counterintuitive.
So much is changing in the contemporary world of work, including etiquette. While some things never change (I can still hear my father say, “Melanie, Melanie strong and able, get those elbows off the table.”) other etiquette rules can shift, especially in business.
As with all business etiquette, the best policy is to know the rules and then based on your knowledge of the person you are with, tailor your behavior to his or her comfort level. As I see it, business etiquette exists as a guide to facilitate good relationships, not to make anybody feel bad. And if you see me around town, I won’t mind if you go first through the revolving door.
What are some other strange business etiquette rules you think are important?
P.S. Answer C. Neither — just avoid the situation and head for a regular door is environmentally incorrect. Revolving doors are there for a reason — to keep cool or warm air in the building where it belongs.
January 10th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I had not heard of this etiquette rule before, so I was surprised when I tried it yesterday with a colleague (we approached a revolving door then I said “I’ll go first”) and she seemed taken back a tiny bit. What do you recommend doing if you follow etiquette rules, but, because the person does not know the rule, your actions are misinterpreted?
January 11th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I’m glad you tried my advice, but I’m sorry it backfired. Rather than just say, “I’ll go first,” expand that a bit. Try, “Let me go ahead — I’ll get the door started.” The older I get, the more I realize that the easiest way to handle most situations is to just tell it like it is. Be direct. Be explicit. And, be honest. Best of luck next time!