For the rest of the summer, we will feature Respect Tips inspired by the Why Respect Matters section of the recently released Respect Effect by Paul Meshanko.
When people respond to the question of what makes them feel respected in our training programs, one of the many responses we receive is if someone shows an interest in, not just their work but their family.
Respect is an emotional experience. And we are emotional creatures. When someone shows an interest in the things that are important to us, it boosts our self-esteem and feelings of respect.
For example, I used to work with someone who always asked me how my nephews were. I was so impressed that she even remembered that I had nephews! After every interaction I had with her, I left feeling better about myself and feeling like I mattered. I never forgot it either. Whenever she needed help with a project, I was always the first one to offer my assistance.
What you can do
It doesn’t take much to get to know the people we work with and to remember some small detail about them or their family. It also takes even less time to stop and ask them what they are working on. What it does take is an initiative to want to get to know them better and help them feel more respected at work.
