What do you think most people want in life? Money? Love? Security? Purpose? Respect ? The correct answer would be all of the above! In fact, study after study has shown that RESPECT ranks right at the top!
People have a lot of different ideas about what the word “respect” means. Sometimes, it is used to mean admiration for someone important or inspirational to us. Other times, respect refers to deference towards a figure of authority, like a parent, relative, teacher, boss, or even a police officer, those who have certain types of knowledge and power. And then other times, respect means upholding the basic right that every person has to make their own choices and feel safe in their own daily lives.
RESPECT IN HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS ought to look like this -
- Talking openly and honestly with each other
- Listening to each other
- Valuing each other’s feelings and needs
- Compromising
- Speaking kindly to and about each other
- Giving each other space
- Supporting each other’s interests, hobbies, careers, etc.
- Building each other up
RESPECT AT WORK - is a vital part of establishing a healthy working environment. Mutual respect in the workplace lets all employees know that they are valued for their achievements, abilities, and qualities. Being valued and treated respectfully helps to promote a positive work culture in which employees are fulfilled, loyal, engaged, and motivated to perform at their very best. Hence helping productivity and the bottom line. Respect also helps to eliminate harassment, bullying and disagreements.
In a study of nearly 20,000 employees around the world (HBR 2015) it was found that being treated with respect was more important to employees than recognition and appreciation, communicating an inspiring vision, providing useful feedback — or even opportunities for learning, growth, and development.
Company cultures however have to have Senior management and Company directors lead by example, instilling trust in their teams by displaying respectful attitudes and listening to their employees.
Some basic tips that may aid in being respectful at the workplace for leaders and employees are :
- Control anger
- Be polite
- Be helpful
- Listen
- Respect privacy
- Be non-judgmental
- Never use foul language
- Avoid gossiping
- Show good manners
SELF-RESPECT - is the key to building confidence and maintaining healthy relationships with other people throughout your life. It is acceptance of yourself as a whole person. It doesn’t mean you think you’re perfect; in fact, we all deserve respect even though we are NOT perfect. You have worth and value just because you’re you. Self-respect means you hold yourself to your own standards, and you try not to worry too much about what other people think of you.
In my opinion, our self-confidence, self-esteem, self-respect actually are true manifestations of our overall self-image.
_
(This article first appeared on the WiP page on 19th December, 2022. I am the founder of WiP which is a cohort of like minded talented women who help each other grow in a fun filled, judgement free manner!)_