Don’t be a Jerk at Work
Volume 22: Telling it Like it Is - Don’t be a Jerk at Work
This is Emotional Adventures in the Office, where we are committed to addressing real struggles that people face at work. Our approach will vary. Sometimes we will ask questions, other times we will make bold statements. We're always looking for new topics to delve into, so if you have any suggestions, please let us know.
We all want to do our best at work, but sometimes things get in the way. Whether it's juggling too much, feeling unsure, or avoiding tough conversations, everyone has their struggles. Being a decent human at work is about respect, kindness, and a little bit of empathy. Let's make work a place where everyone feels valued and respected. Not sure where to start? Here's a little bit about what good looks like and doesn't.
Emotional Awareness
Good: Knowing and recognizing your feelings, responding to people with kindness and empathy and acknowledging you feel it too when things are tough.
Bad: Ignoring your team's need to talk, not caring about their emotional health or saying things like: "that's just how at is at XYZ" is unhelpful and will quickly decrease trust.
Listen Actively
Good: Showing genuine interest in your team's ideas and concerns. Active listening builds both trust and respect.
Bad: Neglecting to show genuine interest in your team's ideas and concerns or being distracted during conversations leads to a breakdown in trust and respect. Colleagues may feel undervalued and unheard, which can result in decreased engagement and productivity
Ethics and Integrity
Good: Values matter, standards matter, conduct matters. Make sure your decisions reflect your integrity - always -no excuses- people do care.
Bad: Being willing to cut corners or skew data might get you short term gains but, in the end, you will be found out and if you struggle with accountability the consequences may be long lasting and harsh- also people will resent you.
Leadership Style
Good: Encouraging people to work collaboratively and have open dialogue when you are able. It is not always a democracy but do it when you can. Value and acknowledge ideas and contributions from you team.
Bad: Focus on being the rightest person in the room, or the loudest is not effective. Shutting others down to prove your point just makes you a jerk. Your actions set the tone for the team and the culture.
Feedback Loops
Good: Listen and be open to feedback that helps you improve. Think about what of what you are hearing is fact, even when you don't want to hear it. What can you act on or change?
Bad: Thinking your way is the only way, being a know it all and having zero self-awareness or ability to acknowledge we all can be better.
Trust
Good: Believing your team is a capable, supporting their growth and allowing them to make mistakes so that they can develop new skills. Delegating over dumping.
Bad: Micromanaging every aspect of their work is a huge culture killer and shows you are insecure.
Being Accountable and Respecting Time and Boundaries
Good: Own your mistakes, respect other people's time and their boundaries.
Bad: If you are not accountable your team will not be. If you don't respect time and personal boundaries Constantly expecting employees to work late, answer emails after hours, or interrupting their personal time shows a lack of consideration for their well-being. This can lead to increased turnover, lower job satisfaction, and a toxic work environment.
Remember, your actions set the tone for the entire team and culture. Start making a positive impact today!