On the Job

How to Earn Respect at Work

To quote actress Lillian Gish, ‘You can get through life with bad manners, but it’s easier with good manners’

The need for good manners extends into the workplace and at all work-related events. Even those working remotely need to be aware of how they interact with coworkers via phone calls, texts, emails, and online meetings.

By Bill Lindsey

1 Respect the Work Environment

During work hours, you’re expected to be on time, working efficiently and as hard as possible. You are also expected to adhere to the dress code. Dressing right extends to online meetings; even if you’re the CEO, you need to be presentable. If a suit and tie aren’t required, follow Casual Friday standards, avoiding T-shirts with questionable messages. Also, keep your workspace or what can be seen in online meetings tidy and organized.

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Be Responsive and Pay Attention Respond to emails, texts, and 3 Be Nice, Be Helpful, but Don’t Be That Guy calls as soon as possible; they Just because your mom says you’re contacted you for a reason, so special doesn’t mean you are the don’t dawdle replying. But dur- smartest, most talented person at ing meetings or phone calls, pay work or have all the answers. Similarly, 100 percent attention. If you take denigrating others or efforts made notes, don’t get so engrossed that prior to your arrival won’t be wellyou miss key information. Turn off received by coworkers. Working as your phone’s ringer, or even bet- part of a team, brainstorming ideas ter, don’t bring it to the meet- and finding solutions can be very ing. Resist the urge to read texts, productive and fun, and lets your emails, or surf the net regardless coworkers know you respect them and of how boring the meeting may be. their work. At all times, be pleasant, acknowledging coworkers with a smile.

4 What Happens in the Office Stays at the Office

YouTube etiquette expert Myka Meier says to resist the urge to post comments about coworkers or your work on social media. Even truly innocent comments could be misconstrued and come back to haunt you. On a related note, Meier recommends respecting boundaries by not becoming too familiar or oversharing your personal information with coworkers. If you realize a coworker is oversharing with you, find a diplomatic way to end or redirect that and future conversations.

5 Leave Your Home Life at Home

It’s understandable that a stressful situation at home can affect your business day, but the most successful people find a way to separate their personal life from their workday. Everyone has issues, but it’s not wise to broadcast them at work. Doing so can distract you and others from your responsibilities. If you have an overwhelming issue that is negatively affecting your performance, schedule a meeting with your supervisor to request their assistance and understanding.