Hello!
If you think that treating people with respect is too touchy-feely for the workplace, think again. Respect in the workplace is a powerful motivator, and disrespect in the workplace is a powerful demotivator. Respect affects outcomes and profits because it affects employee morale.
At the top of an employee wish list, is the need to be treated with dignity and respect. Whether at work or home, isn't being treated with dignity and respect a need for everyone?
The following questions will help you assess if you are being treated or treating others with respect at work or home:
- Do you include others in meetings, committees and events?
- Do you reprimand and praise every person when performing the same actions (don't play favorites)?
- Do you praise more than criticize?
- Do you listen to understand versus listen to respond (don't interrupt)?
- Do you encourage others to express their thoughts, suggestions and feelings?
- Do you implement expressed suggestions?
- Do you ask questions to show you are interested and care?
- Do you seek out others for their expertise and assistance to show you value their opinions?
- Do you control your anger outbursts and criticisms to not make people feel inadequate?
- Are simply courteous, polite and thoughtful?
People can hold either coercive respect or genuine respect for another person. Coercive respect occurs when people are afraid of the repercussions if they do not perform according to the other person. Coercive respect is not healthy and can become toxic on performances. Genuine respect occurs when people are performing because they genuinely like the other person and think they are fair, consistent and deserving of respect. Would you rather be treated with coercive or genuine respect?
To you respecting yourself and others,
Nancy Stampahar |
