Courtesy is crucial Published Feb. 25, 2010 By Lt. Col. Craig Theisen 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe "There is no outward sign of true courtesy that does not rest on a deep moral foundation." Benjamin Franklin "To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness." Galatians 6:7-9 (King James Version) "In due season, what you plant, you will harvest." My parents could tell you about the stringent requirements their parents placed upon them to always say "please" and "thank you," to hold the door open for others, to say "excuse me" when in someone's way, to yield the right of way when overtaking traffic is approaching, or to give someone our full attention when they are speaking to us. Clearly these rules are no longer being enforced by the greater society we live in and it is much to our detriment that they are not. Courtesy underpins the foundation of a society that is able to operate fluidly and efficiently because most of its members are aware of the needs of others and are willing to sacrifice in small ways to treat others in ways they would also like to be treated. Within our Air Force life, we have many courtesies that are enforced through the Uniform Code of Military Justice; saluting, calling superiors by their rank or "sir" or "ma'am," and providing responses to our superiors that are respectful. Having a clearly enforceable set of courtesies would make you think. However, we would be more courteous in our other actions and for the most part, we probably are. We also reflect the society we come from and the basic courtesies we provide one another as human beings suffer even as we fulfill our obligatory courtesies to superiors and the flag. Courtesy is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness and the courteous are often characterized as having a lack of bravado or toughness when they're depicted in popular cinema and television. I would argue in order to be truly courteous to others, you have to be strong in spirit and morality, able to continue your courtesy even in the face of a discourteous world. Let us focus on creating an island of civility here on base and on being icons of courtesy that others look up to in the civilian community rather than allowing our standards to be diminished to the level currently accepted in society. To subordinates, courtesy is: - Turning to face your subordinate as they walk into your office to tell you something. - Taking the time to truly evaluate all of the reports and work done by your subordinates and to provide them with detailed feedback on how they can improve. - Knowing your subordinates' names and family situations, their personal goals and challenges. To superiors, courtesy is: - Always standing when a superior approaches you to speak with you. - Always providing respectful answers to questions. - Always considering your superior might have a bit more experience than you do and not immediately deciding how stupid you think their order is. To peers, courtesy is: - Listening and empathizing with their concerns and needs. - Supporting their goals both down and up the chain if they are for the good of the Air Force. - Always considering how your remarks about them will be viewed by your subordinates and superiors. To everyone, courtesy is: - Considering how your actions might be disruptive to their right to enjoy common spaces. - Recognizing their courtesies with a thank you. - And I feel silly having to say this, but - covering your mouth as you cough or sneeze.