All Protocols Observed?

Just the other day, I was commenting to a colleague at the short cuts we take in life these days. The way we avoid doing things that we think are plain and obvious to all to see. We tend to presume that people think the same way we do and we are totally in sync. An example is the protocol wars in our Grand Coalition Government. I don't dwell on politics in my posts, but it is just an example. To some people, protocol means a lot. I have been to several rugby functions where instead of the speaker acknowledging the guests, in order of perceived importance, he begins his speech with "All protocols observed..." and proceeds into the body of his speech. Well when dealing with especially government dignitaries and technocrats, protocol does matter to them and by beginning that way, it is an acceptance that you are clueless as to who ranks higher than who, or are unwilling to declare who you rank higher than who.

Mine was not a lesson in protocol today. Maybe more of etiquette and acknowledgement. I have met not one, not two people, but several who tell me they are 'doing their own thing... because as you know the union will not help". These people mean they have been in contact with the union seeking assistance or clarity on a number of issues and the union does not even bother to reply or acknowledge receipt of e-mails or phone calls. These people are left with no choice but to "do their own thing". This article really amused me first then amazed me, then saddened me. Where was our development machinery in this effort? I can imagine the e-mail is sitting in someone's inbox marked "not urgent", and phone calls being put off with "ah, I'm busy".

Everyone wants to help in his own little way. All that is needed is a bit of decorum and etiquette when dealing with the public, because you never know who you are talking to and possibly what they can do for you!