Gaining the Respect of Co-workers

“I get no respect!” the words made famous by actor Rodney Dangerfield, begs to ask the question, “Do you have the respect of your co-workers?”

We all want the respect of our coworkers but it doesn’t come automatically no matter what your position is or how many initials you have after your name. Respect is not a right, it is an earned privilege, that can be broken in an instant with a bad choice. We all have horror story about co-workers that we, ourselves, don’t respect and people will be quick to tell you why they do not respect others.

Today, let’s shift the focus to what we can do to earn more respect in the workplace.

• Mean what you say, promise very rarely, but deliver on every promise. Be very, very certain you can provide before you make the promise otherwise say, “I’ll try.”

• Say what you mean because things get easily misunderstood, speak clearly and concisely and make certain you are understood by asking the recipient to paraphrase back what they heard.

• Don’t be condescending , no one likes to be treated like they are stupid. It’s not so much our words, but sometimes our tone and body language that leaves something to be desired, especially when we are in a hurry.

• Praise good work sincerely and validate others. Recognize everyone has something to offer, the janitor who keeps your place clean, the clerk who makes your job easier. It is our job as leaders to help bring out the best in others, even it’s not obvious to all. Try to notice little things done well and mention them .

• Don’t know everything! Ask for advice, input, suggestions. If you already knew, resist the temptation to say so, step-up- say ‘thank you’ even IF you already knew. If someone offers a great idea, don’t ‘one up it’- let them own it and take pride in it.

• Honesty matters, always. If you have made a mistake, admit it, if you aren’t certain, say so, if you need help, ask for it. Always discipline privately, not in front of others. Don’t talk about anyone behind their backs, ever. Make it a personal law.

• Increase your competence. Subscribe to the life long learning and continue to growth and develop yourself personally & professionally, freely share with others who are interested, encouraged others and be open to change.

We cannot demand respect, we cannot force respect. The bottom line is coming from a place of integrity. Doing the right thing. If you always come from a place of integrity, people may not always agree with you, people may not always like you, you may not always be right, but you will have the peace of mind that comes from trying your best and making the best decision you could at the time with the information you had available.