We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it. (Thomas Jefferson)
A respectful workplace supports the physical, psychological and social well-being of all employees. In a respectful workplace employees are valued, communication is polite, and courteous people are treated as they wish to be treated, conflict is addressed in a positive and respectful manner, disrespectful behaviour and harassment are addressed.
David Sirota has found that 63 percent of employees who do not feel treated with respect intend to leave their organization within 2 years.
In addition, respect decreases as you get closer to front line employees. About 50 percent of senior-level managers feel they are shown a great deal of respect, decreasing to only 25 percent for supervisors and 20 percent for non-management employees.
Much of this lack of respect is due to management’s indifference or the unwillingness go out of their way to demonstrate respect.
Common courtesy and basic civility can set a foundation of respect. Here are 8 simple methods Sirota outlines to demonstrate respect:
Recognizing employees for their accomplishments and providing them with the freedom to use their judgment
Soliciting, listening to, and acting on work-related ideas from employees, such as input on how to get the work done
Encouraging innovation and ideas on new and better ways of doing things
Providing employees with helpful feedback and coaching on how to perform more effectively
Valuing people as individuals, and giving them a sense of being included
Appreciating diverse perspectives, ideas, and work styles
Encouraging full expression of ideas without fear of negative consequences
Listening to, and fairly handling, employees’ complaints
Visit www.sirota.com to read more about his work on respect.
In addition, click here to read an array of engaging quotations on respect.
Respect a man, and he will do all the more. (John Wooden)
Images by Chris Campbell (Respect Feb 4, 2005/Flower May 17, 2006).
Technorati Tags : leadership, respect, strength based leadership, management
I was looking for different information on decision making skills and styles in business. I think, while your comments do not mention either, per se, it definitely sets the tone for effective decision making in business. Attitude and respect can go a long way toward making good decisions without contention and disconnect. By including others in the workplace with respect and communication, decisions can be understood easier and therefore with more productive results.
Thanks for the comment.
I appreciate your connection to decision making.
May you make good decisions yourself and benefit from the good decisions of others.
David