BUILDING A RESPECTFUL WORKPLACEr

Respect.  It means different things to different people and it’s a challenge to find out what respect looks like to others.  Here are some guidelines to help give you direction.

In a great workplace:

• Each individual, whatever his or her job, is treated with respect by every other member of the workplace and in every interaction.

In addition, a great workplace:

• Is inclusive: - Everyone has a sense of belonging.
• Supports each individual’s career success.
• Acknowledges and accommodates different and alternative knowledge and ways of doing things, and differing needs.
• Gives recognition to each person for themselves and for their contributions.

HOW TO BUILD RESPECT:

Whether you are a faculty or staff member start here:

• Remember that each co-worker/colleague is a professional adult, and treat him or her that way.
• Remember it takes a vast range of jobs and people in them to create an environment conducive to learning and working.
• We are interdependent in making teaching and research happen at this University.  Let your co-worker know what you need from them courteously, and with consideration for their time.
• Listen to each other actively – find out what your co-worker is really saying.
• Remind yourself; every person on campus knows things that you don’t know and has skills that you may not have.
• Be mindful that when we work as a team we all contribute to our workplace and our community.

Cultivate a resilient, conflict-savvy team, where clear communication is the norm before there is a problem by:

• Discussing work group ground-rules about how you want to resolve issues and conflict and what respect means to each of us.
• Taking personal responsibility for calling behaviour that makes you uncomfortable.
• Addressing issues directly with the person involved.
• Respecting the inherent diversity within your team.
• Believing in each others’ positive intent.
• Forgiving each other and yourself – when problems occur, take action to make things better, forgive, and let go.
• Respecting each other’s confidences

Back to Top

THE BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR A RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE

The following basic principles serve as universal guidelines that you can apply to all situations. These principles can help individuals at every level of an organization work more effectively with others to accomplish results.

1. Focus on the situation issue, or behavior, not on the person

2. Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others

3. Maintain constructive relationships

4. Take initiative to make things better

5. Lead by example

6. Think beyond the moment




1. Focus on the situation issue, or behavior, not on the person

Focusing on the situation, issue, or behaviour helps you remain objective when faced with challenges.  You can solve problems more effectively, make better decisions, and maintain constructive relationships when you concentrate on the big picture and consider others’ points of view with an open mind.




2. Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of others

Contributing fully is easier in an atmosphere of acceptance and approval.  When people feel free to express their ideas without fear of ridicule or personal criticism, they are more willing to take risks and stretch their capabilities.  By showing respect and helping others develop their abilities and reach their goals, you multiply your own efforts in the workplace.




3. Maintain constructive relationships

The best work comes about when co-workers support one another’s efforts.  This doesn’t mean that you need to be friends with everyone you work with.  Your work interactions will go more smoothly, however, if you approach everyone with a positive attitude and communicate support for others.  By sharing information, acknowledging problems, and sorting out conflicts, you create strong relationships based on mutual trust and respect.  This leads to strong partnerships that will help the organization face any challenge that arises.




4. Take initiative to make things better

No matter what your role in the organization, you can find ways to make things better.  By surveying your own area and finding opportunities for improvement, you increase the organization’s chances for success.  You also increase your personal satisfaction by taking control of your work and creating visible improvement.  Knowing when to ask for help and when to offer help to others is also key to making things better.  Initiative follows naturally when you stay informed and alert to changes and care enough to find solutions to problems.




5. Lead by example

As organizations face new challenges, everyone is expected to be a leader.  Being a good leader means setting a good example – even in the face of setbacks or reversals.  Modeling the kind of behaviour you want to see in others is the surest way to influence them.  By actively honoring your commitments, admitting your mistakes, and staying receptive to new ideas, you will motivate others to do the same.




6. Think beyond the moment

For each action or decision, there are consequences.  No matter what your role, considering how your actions and decisions will impact others and the organization, and avoiding actions that bring personal benefit at the expense of others.  When you set compelling goals, make thoughtful plans, and behave ethically, you increase your trustworthiness and dependability.  Anticipating the future also helps you prevent minor, manageable problems from turning into organizational crises.




Back to Top