Workplace Etiquette: How having proper manners leads to career success

EPISODE SUMMARY

 

In this episode of Chan With A Plan, host Max Chan speaks with Donald Gregory James about how manners are the key foundational components for career success. Donald shares how manners helped him propel his career at NASA and his experiences interviewing candidates through his 35 years of experience. Donald also talks about the importance of authenticity and his upcoming book.

 

QUOTES

 

• “But it really is more about who you are as an individual and having that personality, that essence, those manners, if you will, really reflect the genuine person in a way that, you know, people feel that they want to connect with you. -Donald Gregory James [12:29]
• “The problem of assuming that because certain people look a certain way or they have a certain title that they’re not valuable to the organization. And I try very hard not to make that mistake because you never know who you’re going to be dealing with and how they can be helpful to you even subtly.” -Donald Gregory James [23:59]
• “What I may call good manners for me may, in fact, be bad manners for somebody else.” -Donald Gregory James [29:10]

 

TIMESTAMPS

 

• [00:07] Meet Donald James
• [01:42] How manners pertained to Donald’s career growth
• [06:30] How a lack of manners can hinder success 
• [10:25] The importance of authenticity
• [16:18] The difference between reading the book on interviewing vs authentic with their answers
• [20:30] Some biggest mistakes people make entering the corporate world
• [24:22] Advice for introverts to cultivate relationships
• [30:19] Understanding where people are coming from
• [35:41] Contacting Donald James
• [37:39] Outro

 

RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS

 

• Donald G. James’ website
• Donald G. James on Facebook
• Donald G. James on LinkedIn
• Donald G. James on Instagram
• Manners Will Take You Where Brains and Money Won't: Wisdom from Momma and 35 Years at NASA by Donald G. James
• Chan with a Plan

• Max Chan on LinkedIn