The Platinum Rule: A Reminder From Aretha Franklin

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T.  Find out what it means to me.”  Well said, Aretha.  When it comes to workplace respect you can throw out the “Golden Rule”…You know, that rule you learned in kindergarten – treat others how you want to be treated yourself.  Instead, let’s follow Aretha’s advice and apply the “Platinum Rule”…Treat others as THEY want to be treated.  While respect is hard to define, it has to be a core behavior of every employee in your organization.  Without respect it is very difficult for an organization to reach its full potential and often leads to legal issues.  A few reminders can make a difference.

• Reputation matters.  The words you choose, how you say those words, and the way you treat others are all important.  Your reputation is based on the perception of others, not what you think about yourself.  You can’t control how someone else perceives what you say or do, but you can control how you treat and interact with others on a daily basis.
• The law sets the minimum legal requirements for workplace behavior, but company policy sets the true standard.  Treat people with respect, professionalism, regard, and courtesy.
• Respect people’s differences. We are all different and that brings a lot of value to the workplace.  Remember, you have a right to your own opinions and beliefs, but in the workplace people have a right to be free from others expressing their opinion about our differences. It’s not a matter of right or wrong.
• Even people with very different beliefs or backgrounds have things in common.  It’s up to you to make those connections.
• The law can’t make you like or even agree with everyone, but you still need to be respectful and treat people with equality.

If you’re concerned about these issues, now may be just the time to contact Cascade to schedule an in-house session on Respect in the Workplace.  Done in one hour, this training is a great follow up to Harassment Awareness training.  Don’t mistake me, it should not replace your regular Harassment Awareness training.  You absolutely need to regularly schedule harassment awareness training company-wide (at least every two years), but this is a great session during the off year or any other time your employees need a refresh about respect.