Paul Meshanko Spreads The Love Drug By Creating More Drug Dealers

February 15, 2012

Paul Meshanko, author and managing partner of Legacy Business Cultures led a seminar Monday, sharing his knowledge and research in the area of respect in the workplace. The focus of the talk was Respect: The Office Love Drug. Everyone has the ability to become a drug dealer through interpersonal communication.

“Respect is one of the most powerful elements of creating a strong and productive culture within a business,” Meshanko says.

Meshanko explained that there are many ways that a person can be a successful respect “dealer” in their company or at home. From being mindful of one’s non-verbal signals to greeting and acknowledging colleagues by name, such actions actually increase a chemical in the brain known as Oxytocin.
Oxytocin, sometimes referred to as the “love hormone”, is released when we experience positive social interaction. Studies have shown that Oxytocin is related to the increase in human bonding and trust and the decrease in fear and anxiety.

In contrast, a different hormone known as Cortisol is released in response to stressful situations perceived by the brain. It shuts down the prefrontal cortex and closes it off to new ideas. This off lining of the brain can limit one’s productivity for up to 3 hours. Cortisol is also known weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure. The Cleveland Clinic is currently researching elevated levels of Coritsol found in hair follicles in patients that have recently experienced heart attacks.

“Unfortunately, threats or negative experiences are immediately stored in long-term memory,” Meshanko said, adding, “Positive experiences are only remembered if repeated constantly.”

Meshanko’s goal is to help companies build a respectful environment that that enables employees to not only tolerate each other, but engage and respect one another. The benefits of such actions include higher job satisfaction, higher customer satisfaction, and an increase in productivity, profitability, and resilience.

When employees feel valued and respected, their Oxytocin and other hormones rise in the body that will have a positive impact on their health. They will most likely be more energized, competent, and motivated. However, when employees feel disrespected, they become disengaged, are more likely to get stress-related illnesses, and have a higher level of absenteeism and accidents.

“Respect is an active process of non-judgmental engaging people from all backgrounds increasing awareness and effectiveness in a manner that esteems both themselves and those with whom they interact,” Meshanko said.