Fact: Elevators are fun. As a kid, you want to push the buttons -- wait -- "We're going up now; it's time to jump!!" Who didn't love elevators? But, through all the fun as a child, no one remembered to tell us how to act on an elevator as an adult. Now you're all grown up and elevator rides have turned into a few awkward moments of silence with strangers during which no one really knows how to act. Plus, you can't exactly jump on the elevators anymore without everyone questioning your level of sanity. In a moment, I'll talk about a few pointers that might keep you focused long enough to help ease the awkwardness of riding in an elevator, especially in a professional environment. But first, a word from our sponsor.
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Start Your Engines
Let's look at elevator manners from the beginning...of the elevator ride, that is. When getting on an elevator, the "ding" announcing the arrival of the elevator is not the signal to start a race in which the first one on is the winner. Instead, relax and take a step out of the way as the doors open. That way you can make sure not clobber anyone who might be getting off. It's really about logistics, it's much easier for the passengers to unload first before everyone loads up for the next ride. Once the elevator is clear, take a look around and see if anyone is approaching the elevator from behind you. If there is someone within a reasonable distance, the polite thing to do is hold the elevator door until they can get on.
There are probably many arguments as to how long you should hold the door, but for this argument's sake we will use the five-second rule. If someone can get to the elevator within five seconds of you entering, go ahead and hold the door for them. Even if you are already late for that cursed early morning meeting and your boss is a stickler for being on time, he or she is going to be no more upset with you than if you had shown up a whole five seconds earlier to the meeting. If there are several people waiting to get on the elevator, it is always polite to hold the door open to allow any women and children to enter the elevator first. Also, if someone insists they'll get the next elevator, trying to argue them onto your elevator just wastes everyone else's time. You should just let it go.
Personal Space
Once you are on the elevator, it is important to consider personal space. It is never polite to invade someone's personal space, so please keep a respectful distance. Sometimes the elevator is crowded and space gets tight whether you like it or not. In this situation just do the best you can. When someone exits the elevator, think "re-adjust." There is no need to stand in the same place as the number of passengers decreases. Maintain a comfortable distance, and if in doubt, always err to greater space between you and the other passengers.
The Button Steward
Okay, let's say you are still on the crowded elevator, but you are stuck in front of the elevator buttons. Everyone that gets on looks at you uncomfortably and tries to squeeze their hand in front of you to push the floor they need. To avoid this awkwardness, just ask each new arrival which floor they would like and push the button for them. Don't forget the button pushing part. Passengers are almost always gracious toward this gesture and who knows, maybe you'll get some tip money out of the deal!
Cell Phones
While riding on the elevator, avoid speaking on the cell phone. You may think the call is important, but your conversation is most likely not important to any other passengers. You're forcing everyone to become your audience, which is not polite. This is also rude to the person on the other end of the phone call as many cell phones will drop the call while on the elevator. It's a very simple process to end your call before boarding the elevator and re-initiate the call when you arrive at your destination.
The Great Egress
Well, the elevator is on its way. You've dispensed some awkwardness and are maintaining a comfortable distance, but you're in the front when the elevator door opens on someone else's floor. No problem. Step out of the way and hold the door open even if you need to step slightly out of the elevator to allow that person to pass.
At the end of the day, everyone loads up and heads down. When the doors open at your destination, allow the passengers that were on the elevator before you to exit first, especially women and children. For those of you in business, think "First In, First Out." This rule applies to a less crowded elevator for obvious reasons. But, if you are trapped in the front of a crowded elevator, it is not feasible to allow others to exit first so go ahead and exit. Everyone will be glad you did.
Hopefully these few mannerly tips will help in making your elevator experience slightly less awkward. If not, I guess you can always try breaking the ice with a couple of jumps. But, be sure to let me know what reactions you get if you do.
Administrative
Thank you for listening to the Modern Manners Guy's Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life.
And thanks to Derek Norton of The MannersCast for guest-writing this episode. You can hear more from Derek and the rest of The MannersCast at
http://www.mannerscast.com.
Transcripts of this show can be found online at manners.quickanddirtytips.com, where you can also get the
GoToMyPC.com/podcast link for your free 30-day trial.
