CY 101: Power Courtesy

Simple courtesy includes being polite in behavior and speech. City Year amps up regular courtesy and turns it into Power Courtesy. Power Courtesy is a great way to engage people unfamiliar with City Year. It also goes a long way in changing people’s view of young adults. Never underestimate the power of small, daily interactions.

Power Courtesy includes, but is not limited to:
• Holding doors open for others
• Saying “Please,” “Thank you,” and “You’re Welcome”
• Making eye contact when you shake someone’s hand
• Standing up on public transportation to let someone else sit down
• Greeting people in the hallways and walking down the street
• Introducing yourself
• Standing up to speak to a group
• Being aware of your surroundings at all times.

These simple, straight forward gestures can transform the way people view you and others like you. You will be taken more seriously. You will impress those around you with your courtesy. You will make people readier to follow you as a leader. You may even notice a change in yourself.