Things You Need to Know

Business Etiquette

Bad Behavior Abounds

September 16, 2009

What in the world was in the air last week that caused the explosion of bad behavior by public figures? It seemed like every time I scanned the Internet or turned on the television, I encountered an example of people who are very much in the public eye acting out in the most unprofessional of manners.

Last Wednesday, I tuned in to watch President Obama address a joint session of Congress. No matter your opinion of proposed changes to the health care system, I think we can all agree that it was completely inappropriate for Congressman Joe Wilson to yell, “You lie,” during the President’s speech. Equally reprehensible was the decision by Congressman Eric Cantor to thumb away on his BlackBerry during the address.

Then, on Saturday, tennis star Serena Williams crossed the line—figuratively and literally. Displeased by a line judge’s call, Ms. Williams let loose a verbal tirade that would embarrass the saltiest of sailors. She holds herself out to be a professional. Yet, the conduct she exhibited on the tennis court was embarrassingly juvenile.

And the weekend ended with hip-hop star Kayne West physically taking the microphone from singer Taylor Swift, as the latter began her acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Collectively, we have the power to decide what public behaviors are and are not acceptable. We should not tolerate behaviors that are simply rude and unprofessional. Whether we disagree with a member of another political party, a sports judge, or the organizers of an awards ceremony, there is a time, a place and a way to voice that disagreement without further coarsening the public discourse.