Experiences and Learning on Respecting people

Here is an interesting experience I had some time back.

I went to one of my colleague’s desk to discuss an important point with a prior intimation. As I was speaking, his eyeballs kept focusing on his laptop screen and then back on me. His attention span to what I was saying was very limited. It was when he interrupted me just because someone pinged him on MSN that I had to revolt. I stopped speaking and suggested that we would only discuss when he is done with all his mails and chat. He got the point.

On the other hand, I had a colleague few years back who made sure that when someone drops in to meet (even without prior intimation), he would immediately shut the lid of his laptop and assume a very relaxed position. He would attentively listen and acknowledge that he is getting the message. He guaranteed his complete attention.

People resort to a number of ways to demonstrate that they are higher in the hierarchy – in process of exhibiting this, they loose respect. Isn’t humility even more neccessary and important when you climb higher in the corporate hierarchy?

Key takeaways for me from these experiences –

• People only respect you when you respect them. People reciprocate acts. Give and you graciously receive. Respecting people at workplace is mandatory!
• Respecting people means listening them. With all social applications, chat, mobiles, blackberries and emails, it is very easy to be always pre-occupied with something or the other. But is it more important than a person who is sitting in front of you, wanting to tell something important? Respecting people means listening them. Really listening!
• Respecting people means respecting their time – because that’s the most precious resource we all have! Scheduling meetings only when they are required, sticking to agenda and adhering to meeting time is a great way to respect other’s time.
• Respecting people means doing what you said you will. Keeping on promises means you respect your commitment and expectations of the other party.

In this regards, I liked what I read at LSS Academy blog post titled “7 Practical Ways to Respect People”. I also loved 10 tips on how to respect people.

Have you experienced situations when you felt that you were not respected? What did you learn from it?

I am keen to know and I look forward to your comments.