From Making Magic to Changing Lives: Transforming Leadership and Revolutionizing Organizations

What ever happened to good old elevator etiquette?  Now I know that there are many cities across the United States that don’t have building that need to utilize elevators and maybe that has something to do with so many people not understanding the etiquette that goes along with them.  Since I am now working in a building that has multiple floors, I use any of the numerous elevators that are at work multiple times a day.  Sometimes I get to observe how guests handle the situation, but mostly it is observing how other employees use the elevators.  During our two recent trips to Chicago we stayed in the same hotel both time and therefore got to witness many elevator usages.

Many of you might be thinking, “Has she lost her mind?  Who cares about elevator etiquette?”  Well cyber readers, I do!  Now I have observed that people have learned over the years that if a button is lit then it has already been pushed and pushing it again will not make any move any faster.  I’m very happy to see this as that used to be a phenomenon that I couldn’t understand adults not comprehending.  However, now I have a new observation that is slowly driving me bonkers.

When the elevator reaches the desired floor, and you are inside of it, who has the right of way?  Is it the person who is exiting the elevator, which would be you, or is it the person who is boarding the elevator?  My rationalization has always been that the person exiting has right of way since this makes more space for those that are boarding the elevator.  I came to this decision by using common sense, special awareness and even mathematics if you want to look at it that way.  However, I am coming to find I might be the only one that believes an elevator works this way.

Each day, multiple times in a day, I use the elevators at work and as soon as the door opens whoever is standing there rushes on and then shoves their way around as there is not usually enough space for them yet.  Now if only something would have left the elevator before they got on then they would have enough space.  I wonder what would help this situation.  Oh yes, I know!  How about you let me get off first!  For starters, that is my destination and by shoving me back into the elevator to make room for you I am not unable to get off at the floor I chose.  Secondly, I’m sure you would rather the additional space and by me getting off so we can avoid standing awkwardly close with your elbow shoved into my rib cage.  I would gladly make the room for you if only you would let me get off.

I know that in the midst of all the “Occupy (fill in the blank)” that elevator etiquette isn’t really at the top of everyone’s list of importance, but maybe one of the Presidential candidates should consider adding this to their list of platforms.  After all, it seems like some of them are just creating platforms out of thin air anyway.  Let’s bring elevator etiquette back people.  I bet there are many that would greatly appreciate it.  After all, there are several websites that are completely in existence due to this subject.  Have you ever visited Elevator Rules?  The website clearly states “While waiting to board, stand AWAY from the door opening. DO NOT board the car unless you are sure no one is getting off on your floor. If there is someone exiting, allow them to clear the door before attempting to board.”  What a novel idea.  Try searching “elevator etiquette” and you’ll be amazed how many websites pop up for the search.  Where do you stand?  Who do you believe has the right of way when it comes to elevator etiquette?

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1 Comment

  1. Maybe you sould Print the ‘Elevator Rules” and secretly tape them outside the elevator doors. I bet they stay up longer than you think since no will know who posted it. It could be a Social Work Experiment.

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