RESPECT in the work place begins with you

True enough, everyone wants to be treated with respect and dignity in the work place. Unfortunately, for many, respect and dignity as a concept does not mean that it can be bought or paid for in the workplace, it has to be earned, and I am a firm believer in the old saying “respect begets respect” and yes, we must treat others in the same way we desire to be treated. This means doing things that would professionally motivate others to do unto us what we do unto them.

Respect in the workplace is a fundamental expectation and the concept ‘professional respect’ is gaining much popularity because it relates to equity, justice, fairness, courtesy, and living peaceably with others. In fact, many would agree that apart from job stability, remunerations and compensations, health benefits, and work life balance, RESPECT is THE potent reason why many employees would keep or seek out new employment.

In the workplace, everyone wants and deserves recognition, such as being respected for hard work and the values they add to the company. Another truth: Appreciation counts for a lot of motivation while not recognizing the hard work a person brings to the table amounts to discontentment and lack of respect.

CC Connection tip: Workplace respect is based on the abilities and skills of an employee being sensitive to diversity and treating people the way you would like to be treated.

Here are a few tips you can do to create an environment for workplace respect to thrive:

• Treat others the way you would like for people to treat you: This is the number one rule that would promote a healthy and civil workplace and atmosphere in any organization. Treating people with politeness, kindness, and courtesy goes a long way to create a work friendly environment.
• Be sensitive to the ability and contributions as well as the disabilities of others: Be sure to acknowledge the fact that everyone has something to offer, no matter how small or intangible you think they are. To encourage mutual respect, get rid of that egocentric and ‘I know it all’ attitude. Remember, the world does not revolve around one person, namely YOU.
• Be attentive and listen to what others have to say: It is rude to speak over people. Do not cut people off when they are speaking and of course letting them know that you are attentive makes people happy.
• Encourage others around you by urging them to express opinions and ideas: Fact is, the success of a company cannot depend on just one person; it takes a team, their ability and contributions to make things happen.
• Name calling, insulting people, and putting others down is a big NO. This is such an irresponsible thing to do, in fact it is one of the fastest ways to lose the support and respect of others in the work place. Name calling, insulting and undermining others eventually adds up to become workplace bullying, not a pleasant thing to be associated with and you don’t want to deal with that.
• Be in control over your words and actions at all times: You can check yourself and be in control by not acting before you think. Knowing what brings out the worse and the best in you enables you to better manage reactions.
• Build bridges of friendship, trust, and respect: A true bridge builder is sensitive and offers solution-based approaches to resolving workplace conflicts. Being able to deal with diversity by treating people with fairness and equity is the key to positive relationships.

RESPECT for others starts with respect for you. In order to earn the respect of others you must be able to respect yourself and this will inevitably attract the respect and civility of others unto you.

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Alache Mary Bagna
Your CC Connection