It seems we can’t step out of the house without hearing foul language on the street, in the stores or at the next table in a restaurant. Just this weekend, while waiting in the lobby of a movie theatre, I moved twice from groups of people because I didn’t want to listen to their swearing.

Etiquette is behavior which makes everyone you are with feel as though they are the most important person in the world. It is conduct that makes those you work with happy to do business with you. It results in more business, happier supervisors,co-workers and colleagues and a more successful career. But, ask yourself: “Can the people around me feel good when I use foul language?” “Does my swearing drown out my message?” It doesn’t happen often, but I’m always struck by how comfortable some people are using bad language when conducting business with me.

There is a commonly held misconception that the tougher the language one uses in business, the tougher and more in control one appears. Actually the opposite is true. Swearing indicates you have little control and is a sign of hostility. It shows a lack of character and is the language of the uneducated. In business, and in family life, it sets a bad example. If you are in a supervisory role, remember, you set the tone. You will not earn the respect of your employees by coloring your language with four letter words. It will actually take away from the message you are trying to communicate to them. Make your points using commonly accepted phrases and you know you won’t offend anyone.