Excuse Me

June 26, 2017
Thomas, founder of the training company Protocol Advisors, delivers too obvious workplace-etiquette tips with more than a hint of “kids these days”–style chiding. Her book acknowledges that friction often emerges between different generations in the workplace, but holds out hope for common courtesy as a cure-all. Thomas urges a high level of respect and civility and adherence to the “Platinum Rule,” which one-ups the Golden Rule by removing the narrow-frame-of-reference loophole and requiring that people treat others as those others would like to be treated. This clever idea is quickly subsumed in a load of far-too-basic advice; readers surely do not need to be told to dress professionally, brush their teeth, and be punctual. She also issues cursory advice on job seeking, social media, office behavior, and business social events. While respect for age differences and diversity would go a long way toward healing many workplace conflicts, the advice Thomas provides is too basic for an audience already looking for a book on courtesy.