The Five-Minute Favor
Plus: August etiquette programs and what's new at Mannerly
Recently, I've been revisiting one of my favorite ideas from Adam Grant (which is saying something big, because I could easily fill MANY essays with favorite Adam Grant ideas).
In his book Give and Take, Grant shares a concept from entrepreneur Adam Rifkin called the five-minute favor. Rifkin became known for helping others in small but meaningful ways—making introductions, sharing resources, offering advice, or opening doors whenever it could be done with just a few minutes of effort.
The concept is simple (and brilliant): if you can do something meaningful for another person in five minutes or less—consider saying yes.
Make an introduction. Share a babysitter name. Recommend a book or share a song. Send a note of encouragement. Answer a question. Forward an opportunity. Connect friends. Offer requested advice based on your experience.
These small acts of kindness can be invaluable. And the beauty of the concept is that it asks for NOTHING in return. No keeping score. just. pure. generosity.
Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my own life have come from people who took a few moments to help (without any personal gain). I look back now and see these introductions and acts of kindness as pivotal moments of my life.
At the heart of modern etiquette, we strive to practice consideration others. The five-minute favor is etiquette in action. It is noticing where we might be helpful or kind and choosing generosity.
Imagine if each of us performed one five-minute favor this week. (or one every day!)
I’d love to hear your favorite example of a five-minute favor or act of kindness. Please reply and let me know.
Here’s mine - on April 22, a high school friend in Nashville shared an unreleased version of a song he recorded. Not because I would have something snazzy from Charlotte to share in return, but he just generously shared - unknowingly on my late mother’s birthday - and the lyrics arrived at exactly the right moment.
That’s often the nature of kindness or five minutes of placing someone else before yourself. It can happen at just the right time. Pretty cool.
Let’s build thoughtful lives through moments of service. And sometimes five minutes is all it takes.
This Summer at Mannerly
Summer Etiquette Programs (Kindergarten–4th Grade)
Helping children build confidence, conversation skills, social awareness, and everyday etiquette in Charlotte. July is sold out. Limited spaces remain in August:
Making Manners Fun
August 11–13 | 9:30–10:30 AM
Dining Etiquette
August 11–13 | 2:00–3:00 PM
The Art of Conversation
August 11–13 | 3:30–4:30 PM
Back-to-School Etiquette Pop-Up Workshop (Kindergarten–5th Grade)
A special one-hour workshop focused on confidence, first impressions, friendship-building, and social skills for the new school year.
August 12 or August 13
12:30–1:30 PM | Charlotte
Middle School Cotillion (Grades 5–8)
A modern etiquette experience featuring ballroom dance, dining etiquette, friendship skills, conversation, confidence, and social grace.
Now enrolling for 5th Grade in Charlotte or email info@mannerly.com to join our wait list for 6th to 8th grade.
Corporate Speaking & Training
Mannerly offers keynote presentations, workshops, and training programs focused on professional presence, communication, elevating the in-person client experience, and modern etiquette.
We have been honored to work with organizations including US Bank, Foodbuy, First Tryon Advisors, and other private and publicly held companies.
For more information, visit mannerly.com/services or email info@mannerly.com.
Portrait Commissions
Custom heirloom portraits designed to celebrate the people you love most and preserve life’s meaningful moments. Learn more.
Summer Favorites
Browse my curated collection of summer essentials, wardrobe favorites, books, and home finds on ShopMy.
Thank you for being part of our Mannerly community - I sincerely appreciate you being here and please leave any questions below.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Elizabeth Anne
Founder, Mannerly
About the Author
I’m Elizabeth Anne Russell, founder of Mannerly™ and Mannerly School of Etiquette.
After a 17-year career in management consulting, I left corporate life to build a modern etiquette and social-skills education company inspired by my late mother and a deep belief that kindness, confidence, and social fluency are life skills.
Through Mannerly, I work with children, families, schools, and organizations to teach timeless manners through a modern, social-science-backed lens, helping people move through the world with greater presence, confidence, and consideration for others.
Here on The Mannerly Edit, I share thoughtful guidance on modern etiquette, raising socially confident children, business etiquette, hosting and gathering well, and navigating life with grace in a complicated, often uncomfortable world.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Follow along on Instagram: @Mannerly_Official
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Explore etiquette classes and online offerings: Mannerly.com
Have a question or a topic you’d love me to cover? You’re always welcome to reply or leave a comment.
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