In a recent survey by MIT Sloan Management Review, employees listed “feeling respected at work” as being most important to them, followed by “supportive leaders.” A lack of respect and support is one of the primary reasons for changing jobs. It can leave an employee feeling weighed down, stressed, and trapped.
Experts have written many articles on how to get respect at work, and the to-do lists are always headed by:
- Focus on solutions rather than problems. That is, if you have a problem with your boss or the company, brainstorm possible solutions before raising the issue so that you are seen as a resource, not a complainer.
- Understand your boss’s style. For example, maybe your boss hates emails and prefers in-person meetings—or vice versa. If you adapt to the boss’s style, you are more likely to be heard.
- Keep your boss informed. Maybe you present a weekly update; maybe you clearly ask outright for priorities when you feel overwhelmed. Keep track of your successes for review time because even a well-intentioned boss might forget.
- Show respect for others and be trustworthy. People who extend respect—to bosses, teams, vendors, customers, colleagues—generally get respect.
- Keep an open mind and tamp down emotional responses. If you treat every suggestion as an insult, for example, you will constantly exude resentment. Show that you are willing to learn and that you can handle normal give-and-take or minor stresses without a meltdown.
If you have tried these and other methods for earning respect, you may still find yourself struggling with a boss who does not understand boundaries, is too emotionally explosive, or ignores basic courtesies in dealing with people–and with a company that encourages disrespectful behavior. If that is the case, you have a good reason for changing jobs.
Before accepting a new job, check how former employees talk about the company and the respect they received. You do not want to move from bad situation to worse.
Robin’s Resumes® is ready to help you to change jobs to a truly respectful and supportive company. Contact us today.