Does Your Team Show Respect in the Workplace?

Respect in the workplace is a topic that needs to be addressed due to so many bullies and negative people harassing others.

Does your team show respect in the workplace?

• If you answer, “NO”, this article will give you some ideas.
• If you answer, “YES”, please send me what is working for your team!

Respect is critical to have a productive and cohesive team.  Many of my clients ask for support when their team is sarcastic, negative or even silent with each other.

This article describes 3 strategies to help you address how you can communicate with those who are disrespectful of others on your team.

Strategy #1 to ensure that your team shows respect in the workplace:  Discuss your concerns

Speak directly to your team either when they are all together or individually.  This is one of the toughest things for many people to do. Start out by making the environment safe by giving an example of their productive projects or successful customers service story.

Strategy #2 to ensure that your team shows respect in the workplace: Setting boundaries

• This step may be difficult for leaders who don’t like conflict.  It may be hard, but it’s necessary to have these tough conversations.
• Share your frustration or concern about their sarcasm or negativity and how it impacts the team and morale.
• Give them time to discuss what is on their mind.
• Make sure that you set boundaries on how your team shares this feedback.
• Act as a coach to ensure that the session does not turn into a complaint fest!

Strategy #3 to ensure that your team shows respect in the workplace:  4 tips to keep you sane

When you’re practicing Be Direct with Respect® and a coworker is not communicating in a productive way, just remember:

1. Don’t take it personally if someone verbally attacks you.
2. Don’t make assumptions.  Once your team feels heard, there will be better communication and no more mind reading.
3. Do have the courage to ask and express what you want – even if it is difficult.
4. Speak with integrity.  You are concerned about the success of the team and not finger pointing.