It’s early in the new year so it’s a fitting time to focus on four etiquette habits that should be signature behaviors for us all. It’s also a great way to liftoff for a year of personal and professional triumphs.

Let’s keep it simple. I could list at least 50 etiquette rules but I’m offering these few for two reasons. First, four is a good number of rules to recall easily and, second, within each of these principles lies other essential actions.

Respect – If you believe in your ancestors’ ability to persevere through thick and thin, this is the “golden rule” of etiquette and one that should be close to all our hearts: treat others as you wish to be treated…and that’s regardless of title, class, age, wealth, or position. When you adopt this all-encompassing attitude, you will naturally look for the best in others and you’ll be mindful of unique differences among people e.g. work styles, space boundaries, cultures, backgrounds, etc.  Appreciating how you’d want to be treated, you will also dress for the occasion, be on time, and honor your commitments.

Consideration– Just like your mama taught you (and don’t let me have to call her!) — be considerate of others and use please, thank you, hello, goodbye, and excuse me as needed. Being considerate includes acknowledging others, remembering people’s names, and showing a genuine interest in others. Don’t forget good eye contact, smiles, and actively listening when people speak.

Communication – Essential to all relationships, expressing your personal and professional thoughts appropriately, whether in person, in writing, and digitally is an etiquette trademark. Offer timely responses, seek clarity directly when questions arise, and distinguish between your opinions and facts.

Sociability – We are social beings so let’s act like we are civilized. Bring sincerity, kindness, and compassion to every situation. Don’t hesitate to give credit/praise when it’s due, be willing to apologize, offer compromises in awkward situations, and settle disputes with grace.

Many of the current TV shows promote and applaud bad manners but the world is in desperate need of more civility and grace right now. Please do your best to generously sprinkle both behaviors throughout your day…your week…your month.

Jacqui Love Thornell is a native Miamian and retired corporate executive. With “help shape a better world” as her mantra, Thornell writes to tackle the awkward situations readers face in a world where technology, social media, gender definitions, and cultural lifestyle differences drive behavior. New-age etiquette strives to rise above the fray of rudeness, haters, and negativity to attain human encounters that are civil and thoughtful.