Defining “respect” is a little like trying to describe “air.” 
          You know it is out there...it is essential…but, it is hard to wrap words around it. 
          Respect is usually not a hot topic for dinner, a date or a staff meeting until…it goes missing-in-action.  We may not know how to define respect, but we sure know when respect cannot be found.
          So it works like this. If you hate your job, respect is probably missing.  If you find yourself searching for an air-sick bag when you boss walks in, respect is probably in short supply.  And, if your idea of “career growth” is to buy another state lottery ticket… respect is probably “toast” in your work place.
          I’m suggesting that the personal value of respect has vast organizational implications.  Specifically, my premise is that organizational “culture” is shaped by the presence of or absence of respect… and will show up on your organization’s bottom line. 
That’s right, respect is all about bucks!
          Dr. Daniel Goleman, author of Primal Leadership, states, “Our analyses indicate that the ‘climate’ in an organization can account for 20 to 30 percent of productivity.”
          If the “atmosphere” in your shop, office or production line is pock-marked with disrespect, productivity (profitability) will take the hit.
          So, what should we be doing to build mutual respect in our workplaces?  I believe there are five behaviors that have to be practiced in your workplace for respect to clock-in tomorrow.
          First, respect is listening.  I will not respect you if you do not keep eye contact with me, constantly take calls on your cell phone, sneak a look at your watch or scan papers on your desk when I am talking to you.
          Second, respect is accommodating.  If you rarely or ever change your attitudes or methods to match what is going on in our workplace, you do not earn my respect.
          Third, respect is treating me like an adult.  When you “talk down” to me, belittle my ideas in front of others or cut me out of the “loop,” I will entertain stupid, childish games to make you “pay.”  And, by the way, I will play these games on company time.
          Fourth, respect is information.  Tell me as much as you can.  When I hear what is going on through the “grapevine” or on the local news, I am disrespected.
          Finally, respect is catching me doing something right.  When was the last time you told me I am an asset and not a liability?
          I am convinced we can have different titles, fight, debate and then agree to disagree… without telegraphing disrespect for each other. 
          Respect is not a lot of hand-holding, Kleenex-dabbing, sniveling emotion; rather, respect is ultimately about your organization’s bottom line.