While workplace dynamics are evolving rapidly, there’s one principle that remains unchanged: A culture of respect is the foundation of any successful organization. Cultivating an environment where team members at all levels show respect for each other fosters collaboration and innovation, boosts morale and enhances overall workplace satisfaction.
Keep reading for how leaders can create a workplace where respect isn’t just a policy but a way of life.
What does respect in the workplace look like?
According to Cambridge Dictionary, respect is defined as “admiration felt or shown for someone or something that you believe has good ideas or qualities.” In the workplace this can be displayed in the following ways:
- Curiosity and interest in the world views of others
- Being attuned to and acknowledging the feelings and needs of others
- Embracing diversity of all kinds
- Including others whenever possible, especially in conversations
- Understanding and openly appreciating the value of each team member
- Demonstrating transparency and welcoming feedback
Just like the chicken and the egg, people often debate whether respect is an intrinsic right or something one needs to earn first before they’re shown it. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to respect people as they are from the very beginning. After all, you hired them for a reason. Respected by their managers and leaders, employees will feel motivated and empowered to bring their best – and discretionary effort – to the table.
Tips for cultivating a culture of respect
Here are some tips for making respect an ingrained core value in your workplace culture.
1. Invite other perspectives
One of the most important and easiest ways to demonstrate respect is to encourage others to share their perspective. As successful leaders understand, we don’t always have the answers – that’s why we need a team. Respecting each person’s opinion and making room for feedback in the conversation is vital. In meetings, sit back and let the room talk before you give your two cents, and invite the quiet ones to chime in as well. It also never hurts to remind them that what one believes is obvious may not be so obvious to others. By encouraging a true conversation, you’ll hear things you never expected from your team because of their different world views, experiences and values. Not only will this inspire others to respect differing opinions, but it will also lead to innovation and transformative change.
2. Encourage autonomy
Increasingly, employees are looking for more autonomy in their roles. Avoid micromanaging your team members and, instead, trust they’ll do the job. Also, give them an opportunity to shine by providing specific projects that will bring them more visibility and growth. After all, as leaders, we’ve had moments to shine – it’s our responsibility to shine the spotlight on our team members. At the same time, provide new experiences that they’re ready for to help them stretch and grow. Respect their skills, feelings and comfort levels, and ensure they’re well equipped for the projects you hand them.
3. Hire the right people for the job
If you’re hiring the right people, you’ll inherently respect them, as you’ll know they have hard and soft skills to do their jobs and contribute to the organization. It all starts with an evaluation of your current team. Study your team members and what they bring to the table, and note any potential gaps, not just presently but three years from now. For example, do you need someone with more technical skills or abilities to adapt to new technologies in your field? Or do you need someone who’s detail-oriented who can help with documentation? Whatever you’re looking for, make sure it aligns with and supports the job description, which should help attract top-notch candidates.
Summing it all up
By demonstrating and encouraging respect, leaders hold the power to transform their workplace into an environment where employees pay it forward, making respect a part of their organization’s DNA. Remember, while the journey to a respectful workplace requires continuous work, the payoff – a positive, collaborative environment where all employees are treated with dignity – is worth every effort.
For more tips, download our free e-book, The Insperity guide to leadership and management.