The Detox You Can’t Afford to Ignore in the Workplace

What do respect and oxygen have in common?? Quite a bit, actually.? Both are essential to survive.? Both are easily overlooked.??

Leaders in the workplace cannot afford to ignore either.? Robert McMillian shows us why:?

“Respect is like air. As long as it's present, nobody thinks about it. But if you take it away, it's all that people can think about. The instant people perceive disrespect in a conversation, the interaction is no longer about the original purpose—it is now about defending dignity.”

I believe we can do better.? We must.?

Toxicity in the Workplace Won’t be Tolerated?

Company loyalty is as retro as an 8-track tape.? Boomers often prided themselves in retiring from the company that hired them.??

That’s not the way of the world any longer.??

2021 saw the greatest “quit rate” in American history.? 57% of people who joined the Great Resignation did so because of feeling disrespected.??

One study found that 64% of workers reported experiencing a toxic workplace environment.??

Most human beings are not going to tolerate a toxic workplace.? Nor should they.??

Respect Begins by Taking a Walk…

…about a mile long and in someone else’s shoes.? ?? Stephen Covey provides the wise counsel of seeking first to understand and then be understood.??

Everyone has a story.? From the CEO of a successful company to the houseless person living on the streets of Austin or Milwaukee.??

I’ve met them both.??

My company, JS Interactive, has won multiple awards for our SEO services.? It has been an unspeakable honor to work with some of the sharpest minds and kindest hearts in town.??

I consider it just as high of an honor to work with the houseless population as the CEO’s.? For over ten years, I’ve had the privilege of volunteering some of my time to walk with those on the margins of society.??

Mission Possible in Austin and St. Ann Center in Milwaukee do an incredible job of caring for people experiencing poverty with dignity and respect.??

When you share meals with bosses – or those in poverty – you learn quickly that everyone has a story.? All people find themselves where they are through a complex combination of personal choices, unforeseen circumstances, genetic predispositions – and more.??

Just like you.? Me.? And those we lead.??

Value Their Voice?

Wisdom has two parts.? The first is having a lot to say. – The second is choosing not to say it.? There is a reason that God gave us two ears and one mouth.??

We should actively spend twice as much time listening as speaking.??

Leadership expert Patrick Lencioni says that most people who report to us don’t need to have all of their ideas and perspectives implemented.??

They just need to know that their voice is heard and their perspective is valued.??

Inviting other people’s insight can only make your business better.? It is a remarkable weight taken off of our shoulders when we see how much value our team members, clients, and customers bring to the table.??

Respecting others empowers you NOT to have all the answers!??

It also liberates you to disagree.? If you genuinely value other people’s dignity, then you don’t have to patronize them.??

You can respect them enough to disagree – with kindness and humility.??

Look Up Before You Listen Up

One of my core beliefs is that all human beings have infinite worth and value because all people are created in the image of God.??

This means that all people bear infinite and equal value – regardless of what they have or have not done, what they look like, or how much money is in their bank account.?

And at the same time, I believe that all people are "in process".? We are not yet who we will be.? If you’re reading this, your story is not over.??

I believe that your best days can be ahead.? We can play a critical role in the stories of others.? We can be the people who respect them enough to call others “up,” rather than call them out.??

Respect the Power of Simplicity?

One of the things I love most about Jesus is how He cuts to the heart of an issue by cutting out unnecessary confusion.??

The Old Testament has 613 laws.? In the United States, we have over 30,000!??

When Jesus was asked what the most important law is, He simply said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength – and love your neighbor as yourself.”??

It turns out we can detoxify our workplaces without a Ph.D.? We just need to treat the people around us as we would want to be treated.??

With respect and dignity.?