Election Tension: Strategies for Navigating Workplace Dynamics
A few months ago I received a call from the head of HR of a global company who told me about how politics had invaded her workplace and caused a major uproar. It seems that a couple of members of the C-Suite got into a very public political argument in front of a town hall meeting. Afterwards, apologies were made, but it left a very bad taste in everyone’s mouth – to the point where no...
Back to School? Be Respectful!
Every August when I was a kid, as I headed out each morning to start yet another year of school, my parents commanded me to “be respectful.” My teachers were to be respected, my coaches, the principal, the nurse, the school staff, and yes, even the crossing guard – all were to be treated with respect by me. Never mind the kids, my parents told me. The ones who taunted and bullied me at the bus...
Managing Conflict with Respect: Essential Techniques for Leaders
Whether it’s friction between individuals or groups, stereotyping and negative assumptions, miscommunication and a silo mentality, clashes between different personalities and behavioral styles, or a dismissive attitude and resistance to feedback, these challenges are all too common in today’s organizational environments. Let’s explore the current state of workplace conflict...
8 Ways to celebrate Black History Month in the workplace
As I mentioned last week, we will be honoring Black History Month weekly with the Respectfully Resist newsletter. Let us look inward and how you can create a safe and collaborative process to celebrate in the workplace. Here is part of a blog by Hi Bob Inc. If you haven’t already created events at your organization, let this article assist you in the brainstorming process. How can we celebrate...
A history of Black-owned businesses in the US
Throughout February, in celebration of Black History Month, our newsletter will feature history on Black owned businesses and commentary by Black business entrepreneurs. This week, we’re sharing a short history, with a timeline, of Black owned businesses in the US that was originally published by Hiscox insurance, which is The Center for Respectful Leadership’s insurer. Black-owned businesses...
Sympathy Versus Empathy and Why You Should Know the Difference
When one of my clients experienced discrimination in the workplace, she confided in a colleague. She had hoped to feel understood, validated, and supported. Instead, her colleague’s response made her feel dismissed and belittled. She was a high performer at her company, but she had recently been denied a leadership position. “You’re Asian,” her boss had said....
The Main Reason For The Great Resignation Isn’t What You Think
Last week, MIT/Sloan Management Review published the results of a massive research effort by the university and its partners studying the root causes of the so-called “Great Resignation of 2021,” which we at the Center for Respectful Leadership call the “Great Reconsideration.” To us, the #1 reason people quit their jobs last year – a “Toxic Culture” – is no surprise. For nearly two decades,...
Upset? Angry? Try to Be Kind & Respectful.
A few years back I wrote on this subject, and since going out into the world with more people being less patient I think it’s important to share a time I made a mistake and had to own up to it. Right before Christmas a few years ago, we discovered we had been lied to by a sales rep at our cell phone store and, furious, we went back in January to return some unwanted merchandise we’d been...
Practicing Regular Respect Is Easy Until It Isn’t
For the most part, while entering or exiting a public location such as an office building, coffee shop, or retailer, you’ll keep the door open for someone you don’t know. You’ll also say “excuse me” when you run into someone in public, if you’re like the vast majority of people. When someone sneezes, you’ll greet them with a “bless you.”...