While some of the solutions in this book (which is comprised half of a treatise on what rudeness is and half of real-world solutions for dealing with specific situations) are useful, many of them sound patronizing.

"Excuse me, we are all here to enjoy the concert, but your conversation makes it very difficult for me to do so. Would you please keep that in mind for the rest of the show?"

"Ma'am, there is a fifteen-item limit in this lane. Would you please choose another?"

"Boss, all of us in the company respect your competence and experience. However, your department would respect you even more if you did a few simple things to build morale. I know they would appreciate your saying hello to everyone in the morning. It's a simple sign of acknowledgment, but it's important. Give the occasional pat on the back. Make your workers feel that they can do a good job, and when they do, show them you noticed. That will make all the difference." (It should be noted that this is a script suggested as an unsolicited piece of advice, not a response to the "Why do my employees hate me?" question.)

Or, and best, when interrupted in a business meeting: "Arnold, I am not finished. Do you understand? It is not your turn to speak yet. It is mine and I am using it. I will be glad to know when I'm done if you have trouble with that."

I don't know who can say this kind of stuff and get away with it--much of it is not actually that civil.