Are You A Class Act?

You have most likely heard the phrase “he (or she) is a class act”. If you took a second right now, I bet you could think of somebody you would call a class act. When I think about it, I think of Jacqueline Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Will Smith, Bill Gates, Derek Jeter and handful of others I have had the pleasure to work for. So what makes up a “class act”?

Author Jack Canfield, in his book, The Success Principles, writes that to become a class act one must “Strive to become the kind of person who acts with class, who becomes known as a class act, and who attracts other people with class to his or her sphere of influence.” That sounds terrific! But how do you carry out that? With a change in opinion, perspective and activities.

One of the different actions “class acts” reveal is being responsible for your behavior. Be honest about the results of your decisions and behavior, whether successful or not. Another class act is exhibiting respect and thankfulness towards others. Essentially, don’t talk or say nasty and shallow remarks about others. In tough situations, remain calm and in check. Don’t lose your temper or act rudely towards others. Instead, help out to handle the problem solving process. This is called “grace under pressure”.

Find a “class act” in your own life. Study how he or she acts in distinct circumstances. Notice that they have the power to make other people feel included and respectable for their individual efforts, especially during hard times. They help other people about themselves and to feel admired. Just by being themselves – a good role model, they help other people to make changes in their actions to raise their own level of efficiency. They are the leaders who aid in increasing the self esteem, skills, worth and performance of others by living by their own high standards. Others basically want to be like them.

How do you assess with the traits above? Why even think about this? Because being a “class act” will help you prosper in business and in life. People like to do business with people they admire, rely on, like and want to be around. That seems like reason enough for me.

Marla HarrrnConsultant and TrainerrnBusiness Etiquette InternationalrnWeb site: www.actwelldowell.com