The following is a great little story or illustration from Mark Batterson's book entitled, “Please, Sorry, Thanks” –
For the love of Emily Post, we need a revival of politeness, and it starts with please. “It sets the tone for whatever follows and is one of the most universal manners.” (The Magic Words – The Emily Post Institute, Inc.)
Nothing primes the pump like please, especially if you put a pretty in front of it. How does it work? “It changes a command into a request.” (The Magic Words – The Emily Post Institute, Inc.)
News flash: No one wants to be told what to do!
When Christian Herter was governor of Massachusetts, he stopped by a church barbecue after a long day on the campaign trail. As he made his way down the serving line, he asked whether he could have a second piece of chicken. The woman serving the chicken said, “Sorry. Only one to a customer.” Governor Herter was a humble man, but he was also hungry. “Do you know who I am? I'm the governor of the state.” Without skipping a beat, the woman replied, “Do you know who I am? I'm the lady in charge of the chicken. Move along, mister!
Demands come across as entitled, governor or not. A simple please levels the playing field. It will get you further than your title, your rank or your credentials. Authenticity trumps authority, like a royal flush. The word please demonstrates a posture of humility, and no one did it better than Jesus.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant. Philippians 2:5
Check out Mark Batterson's book “Please, Sorry, Thanks” by clicking here. (New tab opens)