Episode 74: R-E-S-P-E-C-T & More Workplace Tales of Caution

It’s one of those things we were all supposed to have learned in kindergarten, right? When it comes to R-E-S-P-E-C-T, we should strive to treat others as we would like to be treated! While the concept seems basic, this episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast explores the many ways in which fundamental decency is often lacking in our workplaces and society at large. Guest Host Stan Markotich invites K.P. Wee, author and educator, to share on-the-job experiences that capture the negative impacts of treating others unfairly … or worse!  Sharing recollections of former colleagues who demonstrated bad form, K.P. and Stan weigh in with life lessons and perspectives you won’t soon forget!

With vivid examples of co-workers and even bosses who disrespect others by making everything all about themselves, this episode highlights red flags to be on the lookout for (both on the job and in life generally). A lack of kindness, integrity and equality can turn workplaces toxic, but there are simple measures that can be implemented to build not only a healthy workplace culture but a strong sense of community. It starts with setting an honorable tone – preferably at the top – that makes treating one another with respect a baseline value and expectation. You’ll never hear Aretha Franklin’s anthem again without thinking back on these colorful insights! And definitely stay tuned for a future episode that will dive deeper into the topic of motivation – something that, much like respect, has to be cultivated and earned.

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KEY TOPICS:

• A quick update on K.P., play-by-play hockey and otherwise keeping busy with teaching students the do’s and don’ts of life! 
• A Baseline Definition of Respect: Treating everyone equally and fairly!
• Tales of caution that exemplify a lack of respect: 
• • #1 – K.P. and Jane Doe: Don’t Be a User! 
  • • About a colleague who solicited help and then went cold once she’d gotten what she wanted in the way of support.  
    • Ignoring is a hallmark of disrespect. 
    • Passive-Aggressive behaviors communicate disrespect with a snub.
  • #2 – Esprit de Corps: When Colleagues or Bosses are All About Themselves!
  • • About people who aren’t willing to contribute to a group dynamic unless they personally benefit.
    • About people who demonstrate contempt (rather than professionalism) on their way out the door.
    • About people who exploit the skills and good will of others without reciprocity.
    • About people who ask for favors – while also giving a kick in the pants when you’re heading out the door.
• Tips for Employers Who Want to Communicate  Respect:
• • Be up-front and clear about setting expectations.
  • Don’t bait-and-switch.
  • Don’t lie and manipulate!
  • Don’t say one thing and do another!
  • Walk the Walk: Emphasize respect over mere consideration!
  • Send a message and set an example of respect and inclusion from the top. 
  • Create a strong culture built on mutual respect.
• K.P. recalls how Dodger Team Historian Mark Langill defined respect on this episode of the K.P. Wee Podcast. It doesn’t matter who you are dealing with, you treat them with kindness and courteousness – whatever level of the organization they inhabit.
• Does motivation correlate with respect? If you’re not self-motivated, then you’re most likely contributing to an un-reciprocal (and toxic ) environment.
• Stay tuned for a future episode in which K.P. will share observations from the broadcaster’s point of view about motivation and how in itself can be a form of respect!

KEY QUOTES:

• “What respect boils down to is trying to be helpful and kind to others – and you would think that they would reciprocate.” (K.P.)
•  “If you’re kind to others and they don’t reciprocate, that’s where the issue begins.” (K.P.)
• “When I leave my door open it’s symbolic. It’s to say that my door is always open and anyone can come in and talk to me about anything.” (K.P.)
• “No one owes us anything. You just have to treat people with respect. Simple. Most people learned it in kindergarten.” (K.P.)
• “When someone alters behavior for seemingly no reason, my suspicion is that there might have been an agenda at work or … motivations apart from basic workplace etiquette.” (Stan)
• “Most employers know that when employers pull this kind of (disrespectful) stuff … Just be up-front!” (Stan)
• “With respect you build community and a team and one of the biggest ways to demonstrate a lack of respect is to say one thing and do another.” (Stan)
• “A lack of respect could come from a lack of motivation and I’ve seen that in cases with students or peers.” (K.P.)

About Guest Host Stan Markotich: Born and raised in Vancouver, Stan completed his undergraduate work at Simon Fraser University in 1985. From there, he went on to receive a master’s degree from the University of Victoria. In 1987, he moved to Indiana University, earning his doctoral degree in history under the supervision of Dr. Barbara Jelavich. Upon graduation, Markotich accepted an appointment with Radio Free Europe, serving as Serbian analyst and remaining in Europe for roughly a decade. He is the main author of White Paper of the Independent Media Commission: Media and Democratisation in Bosnia and Hercegovina (2000). Markotich is currently revising a memoir that deals with his years in the Balkans. Now based in Greater Vancouver, he teaches classes at a private school, lectures for Brock House Society, and offers courses on the Balkans through SFU Continuing Education.

Stan @LinkedIn 

About K.P. Wee: K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club’s media relations department. 

You can find out more about books by K.P. Wee here.

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Additional episodes of the K.P. Wee Podcast are available here.