Respect in the workplace

@staria (2780)
Philippines
March 18, 2011 12:22am CST
In a career, there are the leaders and followers. A good leader should be a good servant as well and bring out the best from his followers. Though there are those who just tends to manipulate his followers and do not see the good in them. So how will the followers respect him? Like they say, respect is earned. And respect begets respect. I would like to ask you now. A leader or not, would you rather be respected because you are in the position? Because they are just afraid of you? Or should you rather gain respect because of the real you? Because you know how to give respect as well? I'd rather have the latter, how about you?
5 people like this
46 responses
@anna18 (142)
• Philippines
18 Mar 11
I rather be not in a position yet respected by everyone. In my work place the head is always respected, respected when she is infront but if she is not around people just say bad things about her :c
2 people like this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
That's true, they maybe regarded upfront but guess what's the buzz behind his back!
• Pamplona, Spain
18 Mar 11
Hiya staria, Would like to be just getting along with everyone I work with and well respected in the sense that we all work together and we all put our little grain of Sand in to help oil the Works of the Job in question and keep it going. Lots of times when I was a Telephonist they wanted me to be a Supervisor but they wanted me to be like them too bossy and too overbearing so I did not want that and instead I was happy enough to teach others the works of how you get to be a Telephonist no easy Job although it does seem like it from the outside. If I would have become their Boss neither side would have really liked me in that sense because one I was not going to please the other Supervisors by being more fairer than what they were and the other the Girls would have probably felt the same but on a different level. End result is I was happy to be just little me. I know a Boss can have a big heart sometimes but in this case it was more like being thrown into the Witches Cauldron. My problem is maybe I have too much heart and prefer to lead but with the ordinary worker. In a way many times I was a subordinate supervisor in the background. They were forever trying to put me in that Job telling me I was great at it but they did not convince me (grin).xxx
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Thanks for sharing lovingangelsinstead! :) I think you should also let yourself stand out doing what you think is best. After all you can choose who you want to be and how to treat other people/colleagues. I dont like too bossy bosses, I mean I regard them but when they started to act like a real b*tch I simply dont like it. Quite intimidating, sometimes I find it hard to breath when I am w/ them. I dont like to become like one of them that's why I always see to it that I respect my subordinates, support them for as long as I can and be there to provide constructive criticism whenever necessary.
@dpk262006 (58673)
• Delhi, India
18 Mar 11
Hi there! To gain respect, I would remain respectful to others and would not demean others. If I am a leader I would politely handle any untoward and unpleasant situation. At my work place I respect everyone, be it my equal level officers or junior to me or my bosses. I know it that good and decent behaviour goes a long way in strethening relations.
2 people like this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Right, strong working relationship w/ people is the best way to go. It plays a big part in a team. If you are all good w/ your followers and bosses, you will go a long way and respect plays a major role in it.
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
18 Mar 11
I would rather have the later too. If they are just be afraid of me, they will take their respect away when I am not in the position. I always treat people well and they respect me. However, some people don't respect you even though you are very kind to them. These people don't deserve the respect. Then, I will just leave them alone. No matter how bad they are, I won't play a trick on them. Have a nice day
2 people like this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
And even if they respect you upfront, you wont know what they were thinking and saying about you when you're on your back. Though we can never please everybody, it is best that we play our part and give the respect that everyone deserves.
@yspmyl (3435)
• Malaysia
18 Mar 11
I have been in the management for many years, and there are so many people under me. and I have bosses who are good and who are bad too. As always what people says is true, it is easier to manage a machine than to manage a person. For a machine, you can just push a button and it will follow your instruction, but human will not do that, you have to take their heard in order for them to do work willingly. For me, to become a leader is not difficult, you just need to think how they will think when you are on their position. That is what I always do. For me, you can be nice to your subordinate, but when they do mistake, you have to do what you should do including use your power to punish them when necessary. You can still go out with them to have dinner and I think that will make them feel easier to work with you rather than working with someone who only like to scold their follower and never learn what their follower want, these kind of leader will be fail one day.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Correct, you have to feel for your subordinates. And know what's on their mind. You will never know unless you wear one's shoes. It's best to keep a good working relationship w/ everyone. Me, I play it cool w/ them and I do not always act like a boss for as long as things are done, we wont have any problem. But I am still the boss and there's a certain limit like when they do not follow or tasks are pending etc.
@SIMPLYD (90727)
• Philippines
18 Mar 11
Like you , i choose to be respected for the real me. What's the use of a respect borne out of fear of your authority? Though some people would really give respect to a person according to his position in life. That's a wrong thing to do , because each and everyone needs to be respected , no matter what the statuses of their life is.
2 people like this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
From the highest to the lowest everyone deserves to be respected and are entitled to it. Sad thing here in the PH most of the leaders think that they are above all others even in terms of personal relationship. though there are still some who plants their feet on the ground, many arent.
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
18 Mar 11
I would much rather be respected for who I am instead of the title I have. By treating people right, it shows that you are really worthy of respect!
1 person likes this
@daeckardt (6237)
• United States
20 Mar 11
I just wish there were a way to teach people that in school. Since most people don't instill these attitudes into their kids any more, someone has to do it!
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
Yeah, respect should also be taught to children in their early years, but sometimes this is being taken for granted. Most children nowadays are disrespectful to their elderly.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
That's actually the point, we need to learn how to treat other people right and be fair at all times. This way people will give us the respect that we deserve
1 person likes this
• India
19 Mar 11
I am a team lead and love this role just because of my team members. They are very good whatever they do and I concentrate on their work and try to help them to the possible extend in their work and day to day issues. They have been very supportive so far and I think they respect me and that is not because I am designated as their manager but I carry that experience and courage to take issues and help them out only when they need it. I try to understand their personal problems as well and not just technical issues. Thank You for sharing.
• India
20 Mar 11
yes, they always look for solutions from leaders and not just to show the importance of the designation.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
true, designation I believe is just a name. A leader should be able to stand and carry out his duties and not just wave his title to his subordinates.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
good thing,and I can see that you are a good leader to them. we are here to address their issues, to guide them and not to manipulate. Sometimes manipulation is not anymore at a certain work level, sometimes these bosses are manipulating them even in a personal level and I dont want that. I want my team to look at me as a good leader, one that is always there to help them and teach them new things :)
• United States
18 Mar 11
I would like to be respect for my hard efforts and caring nature. See a leader sure is higher rank, and is suppose to lead their team but at the same time a leader should also be a team player so that the leader gives respect and receives respect.
2 people like this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Leaders arent exempted and must be team players, I agree w/ you hwg! :) They should be able to feel for their followers too, so that everyone will respect him/her. Being a leader requires you to be good servant too, imo :D
@chuyins123 (2112)
• Philippines
18 Mar 11
I often believe that RESPECT begets RESPECT. It's an application of the golden rule "Do unto others as you want them do unto you" I would also want to be respected because I am what and who I am, and not because of what I hold or what authority I have. I want a harmonious work place so I would want to be respected but at the same time I want to be a friend to my subordinates.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
That's true, I also like a harmonious relationship w/ my subordinates. I dont want them intimidated by my position, though respect and protocol is still present.
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
Yeah, it's good to work in a place where you're friends with everyone around you. :) It would be a more conducive working place then. :)
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
yeah, i was able to experience a non healthy working environment and it is hard and it is like dragging your feet when you are going to the office. you cannot even think about seeing these people's faces!
@raj7shot (838)
• India
19 Mar 11
Good discussion to had... In my office area i am getting my respect for my position as well...
@raj7shot (838)
• India
20 Mar 11
Thanks.. I will carry such characters still....
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
good for you, you must be a good colleague! :)
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
Great! Will do that too. Let's continue to be a good example to others
@sswallace21 (1824)
• United States
18 Mar 11
I would prefer to be respected for my knowledge and performance of the job. Not for the title. I've seen several supervisors in my time make very poor decision or do nothing about certain situation because they don't want to deal with their staff. I don't know how anyone can respect someone because of title if they don't do their job. Doing your job makes you a better leader then someone who doesn't do their job.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
sad thing is that there are a lot of those kind of leaders, they only have their position to hold on too and nothing else! They are regarded for that, but is talked about behind their backs.
• United States
20 Mar 11
You got that right. It's too bad management is more worried about their title then the actual job.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
The management are usually worried about that and their company's welfare alone. Not considering their subordinates. But well, as they say business is business. Sometimes I think it is best not to keep a personal relationship w/ work peers. They are friends but not close friends for me.
• Oman
21 Mar 11
I always exemplify this wherever I am especially in the workplace, "Do unto others what you want others do unto you." After all, respect begets respect. =)
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
Right, it is best to live by this quote.
• Oman
22 Mar 11
Certainly! Thanks staria =)
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
No problem
@macayadann (1235)
• Philippines
19 Mar 11
If you do not want others to do what you do not want them to do to you,then you should belong yourself to those who are well respected because they have given good examples of good leadership,have not done any corruption and with proven credibility on their doings - trusted because of their honesty in their promises.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
prove that you are worth everyone's respect and you will get it. There are those who just wants to get everyone's attention but they did nothing for the betterment of their subordinates and office.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
Yeah maybe that will help. And for as long as you know how to plant your feet on the ground I think that's the basic thing to do.
• Philippines
20 Mar 11
In order to come up with a good harmonious relationship with your co-workers and within your environment, the proven tract records might be of help.
@lhenpaule (495)
• Philippines
21 Mar 11
As i read your discussion, in my mind crosses our two bosses in the office, a not so old lady and a younger man. They have different character and attitude in the workplace, not probably because of their gender, i guess it has something to do also with their personality and character traits. The older woman was not really my boss, but of a different division. I wonder how her subordinates would be so cheerful in her presence, but do exactly different when she is not around or behind her back. For several times, i used to talk to some of her staff and they will tell me that she is so particular with her position. She will make you feel the she is the boss and you are just her mere staff. Often, her staff would work because they have to, but seems not to enjoy what they are doing. Their boss is far different from ours, the younger man i told earlier. Ah, he is really different. He will have not just an official touch but more so of a personal outlook in the workplace. He will make sure that we are family and not just a group working together in achieving our goals and doing our own responsibility in the office. We will surely miss him now that he will soon be transfered to our other branch. We truly salute him and respect him a lot.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
As a boss, how would you want your followers to remember you? Right? Will it be like to 1st one the lady boss or the 2nd one? Bosses should always think about that. It is very hard to deal w/ someone who is too bossy and who would try to bully you around. Bullying has it forms, it can be thru emotional aspect. And that is how some boss attacks you.
@TrvlArrngr (4045)
• United States
21 Mar 11
You are right. Respect is key no matter who you are or what you do. You cannot expect to be respected if you do not respect others.
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
That's right, do not demand or expect that people will respect you if you do not know how to regard them in return.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
25 Mar 11
Respect is hard to earn. Specially in the industry, and the workplace that I am in. I can't say that I've earned a lot of it because respect usually goes hand in hand with knowledge and experience in my current job. But the thing that I always do, as I look up to the others more learned than me, is to never forget that there are people below me. And I try to afford them as much respect as I could as they often are my allys in demanding respect from the leaders of the company.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
26 Mar 11
True. If you are looking up at those leaders, we should always look down and see that there are people below who supports you and helps you get into the top :)
@nangisha (3496)
• Indonesia
30 Mar 11
Hi Staria!. I think I will choose to be respect because who I am. I think we are deserve to have a respect especially about our privacy. I will respect others if he saw they can role model and treats others with respect too. I tend to make distant to any one I personally not respect. Its usually help to prevent problem in social life. I think many boss this day not respect their worker and you can see from how long the worker stay there. When they got another job they will leave.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
30 Mar 11
yes true enough. most of the boss nowadays acts like as if they own their followers. not good because if these people arent under them anymore they wont get any respect as a friend or acquaintance. people may say bad things against them. that's why it is good to respect others as to be respected in return.
@asliah (11137)
• Philippines
21 Mar 11
hi, of course yes, inside of the office or where ever it is, respect should always be there, and never hold that title you have, giving respect to other employee even you have the highest position, it will lead to a good relationship and interactions with them.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
22 Mar 11
keeping a good working relationship to your subordinates really contributes to a harmonious and happy workplace. its good to have inspired people than subordinates that is full of hate to their boss. correct, should come naturally regardless of position and place.
@inertia4 (27961)
• United States
1 Apr 11
I have worked for all kinds of bosses and managers, some were real rotten and some were real nice. I always did more for the nice ones. I was also a manager and I responded accordingly. With some people you have to be more stern than with others. Some workers follow instruction well while others tend to be more lazy or ignorant. I would rather be respected than feared. Being mean and rotten does not get you to far win the work place.
1 person likes this
@staria (2780)
• Philippines
14 Apr 11
Nicer boss gets nice employees too, they are more willing to follow you because somehow they think that you are a really nice person and that you appreciate them. But w/ rotten bosses, oh well we can forget about them after we follow their instruction.