CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Have you ever heard anyone say, "mind your Ps and Qs"? Do you know what it means?
If you do an internet search on "Ps" and "Qs," you'll find this idiom has many different meanings, but the most common theme is to mind one's manners or be careful of one's behavior ... but I don't see the "P" and "Q" connection.
The saying can be traced back to the 1779 Oxford English Dictionary with the meaning of watching your step and being polite. Well, at least we've narrowed down the letter "P" -- polite.
One of the other common findings for "Ps" and "Qs" goes back to Old English pubs as an abbreviation for "mind your pints and quarts." The barkeep tracked patrons drinking totals by marking "P" for pints and "Q" for quarts. This makes sense, but I still don't understand the connection between my bar tab and good manners unless it really means being responsible with your drinking and not letting alcohol dictate rude actions toward others. I think some of us have had that experience and can say, "been there, done that."
I don't claim to be the "manners" expert because there have been times I didn't mind my "Ps" and "Qs." I think those times can be attributed to immaturity ... boy, talk about young and dumb. Now that I'm just a little older, I want to share with you my thoughts on "Ps" and "Qs," or the abbreviation for Professional Etiquette. I know it doesn't sound as fun as Pints and Quarts, but professional starts with a "P" and, after all, there is a "q" in etiquette.
Since we are all in the profession of arms, we are all professionals. And since we are all Airmen representing this great nation, we should always practice proper etiquette. What is proper etiquette? Let's just say etiquette describes the ways in which people interact with each other and show respect. We all practice etiquette everyday. Let me share just a few of my favorites: You never touch or sit on someone's big chrome glistening Harley without asking first ... that's biker etiquette. You never deliberately splash your chips into the pot ... that's poker etiquette. You never hesitate to reach for the last cold drink or the last slice of pizza, but not both, that's just greedy.
Okay, all kidding aside, let's talk about professional etiquette, specifically in the workplace or in the Air Force. I could probably fill up most of the Airlift Dispatch with an article on professional etiquette, but I'll keep it to a small list.
Let's start with some that are not so serious first, like cubicle etiquette. Do you have your phone volume set low, set to short rings and an up-to-date voicemail message? Do you use your "Out of Office" when you're on a temporary duty assignment or on leave? Do you take messages to include date, time, name, and number? These are all examples of professional etiquette.
Now for a few more serious examples, let's start with relationships. Dating subordinates is not professional etiquette and in some cases it's illegal. How about spreading rumors? Who doesn't like some juicy gossip? But again, that's not very professional. Have you ever heard of someone taking credit for someone else's work? Oh, did I touch a nerve? Do you always stand when someone senior is speaking to you? Do you stop in your car during Retreat? Do you counsel in public or private? Do you treat everyone with respect? It doesn't matter if it's a subordinate, peer or superior.
Rank Has It's Privileges at any level doesn't equate to picking and choosing who you treat with respect. Do you roll your eyes at meetings? Do you show up late? Do you carry on side-bars? Instead of saying, "you don't know what you're doing," try saying, "I think you could use some more training." Instead of saying, "my job stinks," try saying, "I love a challenge."
I've only touched on a few areas of professional etiquette, but hopefully now you're thinking about minding your "Ps" and "Qs!" Spectemur agendo -- Let us be judged by our actions.