The way that we interact with each other has been a subject of fascination for centuries, and this book is just one more look at particular facets of the process. In thinking and writing about the topic of workplace civility and the role of courtesy in personal success, I have been fortunate to benefit from the great accumulation of others’ ideas and writings as a foundation for my own conclusions.
Further, in writing this book, I often called on colleagues, clients, students, friends, and family to discuss various concepts and, particularly, to share their own thoughts and experiences. I am grateful to all of them for their willingness to participate and add value.
Special thanks go to my husband, Charles Boyd, whose business experience and organized thought processes helped me focus and manage the seemingly unlimited information on the subject. In addition, I am grateful to Leslie Langford and Elizabeth Boyd for their willingness to read and respond to the work at various stages. I also appreciate the expertise of editors Ellen Kadin, Ellen Coleman, and Gloria Fuzia for their valuable insights and guidance in creating the final product.
To all of you who contributed support, encouragement, and wisdom to this endeavor, I hope you will conclude that it was time well spent.