Here's something I posted on LinkedIn that is such a common point of discussion when I meet with colleagues I ‘grew’ up with in my profession that I feel someone needs to say it. It's not meant to be a complaint but a gentle reminder.
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Having observed a significant decline in respect and civility in the workplace, I offer these observations for younger employees (42 and younger especially)
* Always aim to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe. If you can't address the issue immediately, a quick acknowledgment that you've received the email and will respond in detail later shows respect for the sender's time and effort.
* Actively seek out and consider the viewpoints of more experienced colleagues. Their insights can provide depth and context that might not be immediately apparent. Even if you don't agree, understanding their perspective can enrich your own.
* Basic politeness is crucial. This includes simple manners like saying "please" and "thank you," holding doors open, or offering help when someone is struggling with a task. These small acts of kindness can significantly impact workplace culture.
* When someone is speaking, especially someone senior, give them your full attention. Avoid checking your phone or looking disinterested. This shows respect for their time and expertise. Ignoring people or not giving them your attention when they're speaking is a form of disrespect.
* If you disagree with an idea or decision, express it respectfully. Frame your disagreement as a quest for understanding or improvement rather than a challenge to authority.
* Always give credit where credit is due, especially to those who might not be in the limelight. This includes acknowledging the groundwork laid by others in projects or the company's history.
* Regularly ask for feedback from your peers and superiors. This shows you value their opinion and are committed to improvement.
* While many modern workplaces are flattening hierarchies, understanding and respecting the chain of command can prevent misunderstandings and show professionalism.
* Be aware of cultural differences between generations in what is considered respectful or polite. This sensitivity helps in avoiding unintentional disrespect.
* Respect others' time by being punctual for meetings, sticking to agreed deadlines, and being concise in communications.
* Show appreciation for opportunities, guidance, and support. This could be through verbal thanks, written notes, or even small gestures like bringing in treats for the team.
* Demonstrate a commitment to learning not just from books or courses but from the people around you. This shows respect for the collective knowledge within the organization.
By adopting these behaviors, younger employees can foster a more respectful, collaborative, and productive workplace environment. It's about building relationships based on mutual respect, which in turn can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career path.
A final note: if you consistently show disrespect, do not be surprised or offended when you encounter similar behavior in return.
Joe Moore
npub1ss…sv22w
2024-09-07 19:22:18
Author Public Key
npub1ssf5g3y3eac4dnk5vh7a9eyvgjvdh28vkhjj8yfvplgzmg2hg7zs8sv22wPublished at
2024-09-07 19:22:18Event JSON
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"content": "Here's something I posted on LinkedIn that is such a common point of discussion when I meet with colleagues I ‘grew’ up with in my profession that I feel someone needs to say it. It's not meant to be a complaint but a gentle reminder. \n\n=====\n\nHaving observed a significant decline in respect and civility in the workplace, I offer these observations for younger employees (42 and younger especially) \n\n* Always aim to respond to emails within a reasonable timeframe. If you can't address the issue immediately, a quick acknowledgment that you've received the email and will respond in detail later shows respect for the sender's time and effort.\n\n* Actively seek out and consider the viewpoints of more experienced colleagues. Their insights can provide depth and context that might not be immediately apparent. Even if you don't agree, understanding their perspective can enrich your own.\n\n* Basic politeness is crucial. This includes simple manners like saying \"please\" and \"thank you,\" holding doors open, or offering help when someone is struggling with a task. These small acts of kindness can significantly impact workplace culture.\n\n* When someone is speaking, especially someone senior, give them your full attention. Avoid checking your phone or looking disinterested. This shows respect for their time and expertise. Ignoring people or not giving them your attention when they're speaking is a form of disrespect.\n\n* If you disagree with an idea or decision, express it respectfully. Frame your disagreement as a quest for understanding or improvement rather than a challenge to authority.\n\n* Always give credit where credit is due, especially to those who might not be in the limelight. This includes acknowledging the groundwork laid by others in projects or the company's history.\n\n* Regularly ask for feedback from your peers and superiors. This shows you value their opinion and are committed to improvement.\n\n* While many modern workplaces are flattening hierarchies, understanding and respecting the chain of command can prevent misunderstandings and show professionalism.\n\n* Be aware of cultural differences between generations in what is considered respectful or polite. This sensitivity helps in avoiding unintentional disrespect.\n\n* Respect others' time by being punctual for meetings, sticking to agreed deadlines, and being concise in communications.\n\n* Show appreciation for opportunities, guidance, and support. This could be through verbal thanks, written notes, or even small gestures like bringing in treats for the team.\n\n* Demonstrate a commitment to learning not just from books or courses but from the people around you. This shows respect for the collective knowledge within the organization.\n\nBy adopting these behaviors, younger employees can foster a more respectful, collaborative, and productive workplace environment. It's about building relationships based on mutual respect, which in turn can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career path.\n\nA final note: if you consistently show disrespect, do not be surprised or offended when you encounter similar behavior in return.",
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