How long does it take to say the simple English word – “please?”

Time yourself, and you’ll see that it’s less than a single second!

Yes, this compact word seems to be disappearing from our national vocabulary, as does its sibling – thank you.

I go to the grocery store and the clerks are pleasant enough, but when they nonchalantly announce that my total purchase is $153.87, they never add the simple word please, as I was taught to do in my father’s retail business when asking a customer for money.

This lack of what I consider to be a fundamental courtesy is widespread, and it feels like the phenomena is growing.

Perhaps we’re all in too much of a hurry, and so we choose to communicate ever more briefly with our fellow citizens by eliminating an exta word or two from our conversations. Perhaps it’s because children no longer grow up in families where this kind of basic courtesy is demonstrated and reinforced. Or perhaps it’s because employers do not expect this behavior, teach it to their front-line employees, and then actively reinforce this practice.

Fortunately, there are still a few exceptions, and we’re making a stand! In our organization, one of our core values is “respect,” and a powerful way to demonstrate this value is by offering a sincere “thank you” to clients, suppliers, and associates.

So, I’m on a one-man crusade to overcome this deficiency in our society. Won’t you join me in this endeavor? Please?!