Respect for Others

Definition

Treating others with kindness and consideration

What is it?

Treating others with respect means that, whether friend or foe, agree or disagree, history of kindness or of contempt, we first and foremost treat others with dignity and consideration.

Why is it important?

At the end of the day, people want to feel respected in their workplace. This can lead to trust, smooth coordination, and a positive overall work environment. By contrast, when people feel as though they have been put down or disrespected, they become irritated and resentful. When that happens, they will either avoid you, criticize you, or become passive aggressive with you. This can harm your personal career or overall team success.

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Suggestions for Improvement

Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt

First of all, we must learn not to judge others. We don’t know what they are going through or what problems they are wrestling with. We don’t know why they do the things they do. If a co-worker is snippy or snarky or sassy, chalk it up to them having a bad day rather than making character judgements, and let the interaction roll off your back. We would certainly want others to do the same for us.
Appreciate Differences

Second, appreciate perspectives that are different from yours. Instead of feeling threatened by people who look or think differently than you, figure out what you can learn from them. Different perspectives teach us; they help us broaden our thinking and expand our awareness.
Show Regard for Authority

Especially during the first few years of a new job or career, you should be extra careful to show respect to those who have been employed longer or who have seniority over you. Bosses, managers and supervisors especially should be respected for the leadership positions they’ve earned. That means not only showing respect in your interactions but also respecting them when they are not present. It’s easy to criticize leaders without knowing the challenges of their position, but we must pay the respect that’s due.

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Books to Read

Mastering Civility: A Manifesto for the Workplace

Christine Porath shows how people can enhance their influence and effectiveness with civility. Combining scientific research with fascinating evidence from popular culture and fields such as neuroscience, medicine, and psychology, this book provides insight into how to change the quality of your workplace.

The Respect Effect: Using the Science of Neuroleadership to Inspire a More Loyal and Productive Workplace

People perform at their highest level when treated with respect. Conversely, when an employee is emotionally attacked by disrespectful behavior, he or she shuts down.

The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

This book will give you the tools to improve staff morale, create a more positive workplace, and increase employee engagement. How? By teaching you to effectively communicate authentic appreciation and encouragement to employees, co-workers, and leaders.

Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work: Build a Culture of Employee Engagement with the Principles of RESPECT

When you give a little RESPECT you get a more effective organization, with reduced turnover and absenteeism and employees at all levels who are engaged, focused, and committed to succeed as a team. Dr. Paul Marciano’s acclaimed RESPECT model gives you specific, low-cost, turnkey solutions and action plans that will change your organizational culture.

The Top Ten Laws of Respect in the Workplace

Research studies have shown that respect for people is a key value component of the culture of an organization. In this book, the author unveils the top ten principles that govern respect between people in a work environment.

Websites to Visit

David Marquet – How Great Leaders Serve Others (Ted Talk)

Describes how a submarine commander changed his crew from being “the worst to the first.”

Why Respect is Crucial to Management Success

This article brings up that a Gallup study showed that people are not engaged at work, and what respect has to do with that statistic.

Why Is Respect Important in a Diverse Workplace?

This article talks about how respect will lead to a greater work environment and positive business successes, and how it is especially essential in diverse work environments.

To Win Over Dissenters (and Everyone Else), Show Some Respect

Uses an example of a marketing manager presenting a proposal to colleagues. Showing respect not only helps people feel acknowledged, it opens them up to new perspectives.

Respect for Others

Definition

What is it?

Why is it important?

Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt

Appreciate Differences

Show Regard for Authority

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