| The Ministry of Comfort |
Chapter 20 |
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Everywhere in life manners count for a great deal. In business, civility is almost as important as capital. A man, who is rude, discourteous, and brusque, lacking the graces of cordiality and kindliness, may have fine goods in his store, but people will not come to buy of him. On the other hand, a man with affable manners, who treats his customers with politeness, who is patient, thoughtful, ready always to oblige, desirous to please, will attract patrons to his place and will build up a business. No merchant will retain in his employ a salesperson that treats customers rudely.
The same is true in the professions and in all occupations and callings. The surly, discourteous physician will not get patients. If you begin to deal with a tradesman who appears to be impertinent, cross tempered, and disobliging, you will not continue to go to him. The principal of a private school was very popular with his boys and did splendid work for some years. Meanwhile the school prospered. Then something happened which soured the principal and embittered his spirit. His manners changed, becoming stern, severe, and harsh. He would give way to fits of violent temper in which he lost self control and used language in the presence of his pupils that no gentleman should ever use. One year of this was enough to break up the school.
We all know the impressions that the manners of people make upon us when we first meet them. A beautiful behaviour goes a long way in winning our favour and confidence, and ill manners offset many excellences of character and much true worth.
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