A word thrown around so much. Something a lot of people demand, yet they don't know how to give. Respect is something I don't toss around lightly. I seem to bump into issues of respect so much these days because of work.

With work respect takes on so many aspects. Respect for co-workers, superiors and subordinates are I would say the most basic forms. Right now I'm irked by the fact that these three "basics" are being taken for granted right now here at the office.

I read the other day from an article in the paper an interview with some CEO about his thoughts on respect. He said "Title does not automatically give you respect. You have to earn it. You earn it from your accomplishments and from how you treat people". I wish the others in the office read that. I agree with that statement 100% because I've always felt that respect should be earned. That's why I can say that there are very few people I've worked with that I truly respect.

In this office, there are people who think that their position automatically requires that you respect them. I've heard it actually spoken, "You don't respect me". This coming from someone who thinks everyone is stupid and hasn't contributed anything useful. He just has rank. Get real dude.

Why do I bring this up? Because last night I got ticked off by a subordinate of mine bypassing me to show his colors to the higher ups. Normally I wouldn't mind but it screwed the schedule of all the appointments of the day up. Had there been respect for my position, or at least for following proper channels, all this would have been avoided. There really must be something seriously wrong with our company if respect going in both directions, up and down, is being taken lightly.

This entry was posted by Frank, on Wednesday, September 08, 2004. You can leave your response.