Respecting Coworkers

The managers of good cultured organizations respect well. Respect in the workplace is huge. Ignoring the presence of another human being is the ultimate description of disrespect. It has become commonplace in society, although unacceptable. Unfortunately people are given the title manager these days and think that they are deserving of huge levels of respect without having to return any at all. Respecting coworkers is the main divide which separates actually being a leader from just being a manager. The greatest leaders are more nuanced and empathy is a facet in their multi-dimensional personalities. 

It’s NOT what you are, it what people think you are.

Respecting Coworkers in your workplace demonstrates that your formative years completed you as person. Acknowledging people in all walks of life, regardless of ones’ role, should be a given every day. The biggest deficit that we have in our society and in the world right now is an empathy deficit. This is not just about empathy. It is about recognizing every person on a team has something valuable to share and contribute or they wouldn’t be there. It is not just the person who deserves respect but a respect and recognition for their contribution. Recognizing this is the difference between a manager and a leader. Numbers of people seldom understand the human aspect much less the moral obligation which often times doesn’t fit a computation. We need to understand that we all are here as a team with different roles and nothing else.

Bring dignity into the workplace by Respecting Coworkers:

Soft skills should be a requirement for anyone in a management position. When people are acknowledged for their contribution they feel that what they do matters. Collaboration is the key.  When the division amongst every rank is blatantly obvious and is guarded jealously. Every directive is You rather than We. We need to remember every person in a business is of equal value regardless of role. Forget at your peril. It’s about character. Great leaders and managers have enough character to genuinely show respect for everyone above and below them. Those that only show reverence to those who will do something for them will eventually be recognized for the sycophants they are. Collaboration increases the feel good factor, engagement and productivity. People should not be in supervisory or management positions if they lack people skills and an understanding of the needs of the workforce. That is why, when it comes to Google improving on its workplace environment and company culture, it’s about the people, for the people, and by the people — and you can translate the big ideas to your much smaller company. 

Related: Thoughtful Leaders

Integrity and accountability go hand in hand:

Respect starts from demonstration of basic manners and etiquette in our personal and professional lives. One could rate people on the way they treat people that don’t “offer” them anything. It’s the best test of a person’ character, with many failing and looking completely fake as they suck up to the CEO but treat cleaners, baristas, waiters, admin staff, etc. like cr**. It always comes back to bite them though. It may be overlooked in some cultures where seniority and authority are considered dominant of the behaviors. Too many niceties are being lost along the way. We all need to promote respect and build our authenticity regardless of jobs and ranks. We should respect all our co-workers, regardless of any differences - sadly this isn’t always the case and disrespect breeds disharmony in the workplace.

Read: Self Accountability

It depends on how respect is viewed. Either respect by command - due to the nature of job leveling or respect given as common courtesy - given to all co-workers regardless of rank. Most of the time, the two differences are confused with one another, sadly.  Don’t take everything as a 100% point blank fact especially in an office with a multitude of different cultures, religions, beliefs etc. Often enough small and big gestures considered as a sign of respect or appreciation in one culture can be very much irritating or even offensive in another culture. So alongside respecting coworkers we would say tolerance and flexibility are also very important. And always to keep in mind the real reason is why people share time in an office in the first place. If you look for the good in people you’ll find it, if you look for the bad, you’ll find that too. Spend your time looking for the good.

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