Is Chivalry Dead? Leaders… become a Knight… (or a Knightess)!

2 Comments / Leadership, Motivational, Personal Growth / By

Greetings Leaders!

Recently I was walking down a street in downtown Sacramento on my way to meet with a client. The entrance to the building I was heading towards was quite extensive and consisted of three sets of double doors. The street was relatively empty and I could easily feel the presence of the other men and women walking nearby.

As I was walking up to the building entrance, a woman was approaching the building from the opposite direction. Not sure which door she was heading for, I paused for just a moment, holding the door open for her, but she entered the far set of doors as they were closer to her.

I mentally shrugged and entered the lobby just behind her. To my surprise she turned around and smiled. She said “Thanks for the thought, I’m glad chivalry isn’t dead.” I smiled back and we exchanged polite conversation before heading off to our different floors.

That little incident made me stop to ponder about our society and culture. I didn’t think holding the door open for her was such a big deal. I do it lots of times and not just for women either. It seems polite and considerate to stop and hold the door so someone else can go in. Yet, this woman was touched by it. I began to think about the last time someone opened the door for me, and realized it was probably a bellman at a hotel or a hostess at restaurant.

What ever happened to random acts of kindness and consideration? In a world growing more violent and impersonal, we need to do what we can to add a bit of civility to it. As a leader, how about becoming a Knight for a day? Ladies, you can be Knights too!

Just for a day, let’s all do this. Smile at people you meet. Say good morning to people you make eye contact with. Open the door for someone any chance you get. When you shake someone’s hand, hold onto it for a second, look them in the eye and smile. Tell someone who provided you a service how much you appreciate them.

For just a day…Be a Knight!
JT

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2 thoughts on “Is Chivalry Dead? Leaders… become a Knight… (or a Knightess)!”

  1. Kirsten Moore

    What a great blog entry! We taught our two sons to always hold the door for others. As little gentlemen around the age o 7 or 8 they often ran ahead and opened the door for me. One morning we headed to Starbucks. In usual fashion my son ran ahead, opened the door for me. I walked in and he continued holding the door as 5 others funneled in. Not one adult, male or female acknowledged him, or said thank you. As a parent I had to explain what he did was the right action and even adults don’t use proper manners from time to time. He is 18 and I am proud to say he is still a considerate gentleman! As a side note, he also gets the car door for his girl. That is something she appreciates, and many of his peers don’t do. Makes me wonder if it is considered “old fashioned”.

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  2. John Ikeda

    Hi Kirsten!!

    I love your comments. Your son’s girlfriend is really lucky. I tried to teach my daughter that if someone really loved her, they would hold the door open for her!

    I hope this finds you well and looking forward to a great and prosperous 2010.

    Thanks for staying in touch…
    John

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