Generations of Respect

Some people believe respect is given and then earned, others believe it is earned before it is given. SHRM’s (Society for Human Resource Management) 2016 job satisfaction report indicates that respectful treatment of all employees at all levels is a leading factor for job satisfaction. Are there generational differences when it comes to respect?

Respect is desirable across all generations, but how we define respect, or what defines respect, may vary as much from person-to-person as it does from generation-to-generation. Here are two simple guidelines for workplace respect across all generations:

1. Always think before you speak to any generation, including your own. Keep in mind that when you feel threatened or under pressure, your internal fuse will be shorter.
2. Fear forms a connection to problems, inspiration connects to goals. Avoid communication that enlists fear as a motivator. United groups are respected groups. Consciously or subconsciously creating a divide across any of the generations through fear will always be counterproductive and will feel disrespectful.

One generation is probably not more challenged as compared to another when it comes to respect, although it is commonplace to blame a generation different from your own.

Give some respect.

– DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and coach that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is the author of the newly released book, Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at DennisEGilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

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