RULES OF CIVILITY

RULES OF CIVILITY

Here are but a few examples drawn from Washington’s rules of civility:

• When you speak, be short and comprehensive.
• Do not argue with your superior; submit your ideas to him modestly.
• When subordinate does his best, even if he does not succeed, do not blame him.
• When you must give advice or criticism, consider whether it should be given in public or private; whether is should be given now or at some other time; and in what manner it should be given. If you must criticize someone, do so carefully.
• If you are admonished by your superior, do not argue at the time; rather, if you are not at fault, tell your superior the facts later.
• Do not make fun of anything important to others.
• If you criticize others for some fault, make sure you eliminate it from yourself first. A good example speaks much louder than words.
• Do not be in haste to believe bad reports about others.
• Associate yourself with other good people; it is better to be alone than in bad company. Do not speak about others with malice or envy.
• Always allow reason to govern your actions.
• A man should not overly value his own accomplishments.
• Do not detract from others, nor be overbearing when giving commands.
• Do not speak badly of those who are not present.
• Do not go where you are not wanted.
• Do not give unasked-for advice,
• Make no comparisons among people.
• Do not be quick to talk about something if you do not know it is true.
• Some matters are better kept a secret. Do not be curious about the affairs of others.
• Do not start what you cannot finish.
• Keep your promises.

-George Washington