For a long time, getting ahead in business has been promoted as a war to be won, going into battle, beating the competition, and having a “be tough, no wimps” policy which has created leaders, teams and cultures that are often combative, hyper-competitive (think Survivor) and, in some cases, downright dangerous and toxic to be around.
The accompanying put-downs, bullying, shaming, physical threats of violence, and constant yelling at your team, individuals and colleagues to ‘boost performance’ might make for entertaining TV shows and movies but it does not improve performance. Instead, it has the opposite effect severely diminishing people and team’s full potential. The impact on those at the receiving end of such heinous acts, and even those witnessing this uncivil behaviour, has a devastating impact on our mental health, and in turn our work performance and overall productivity and well-being.
According to Christine Porath, professor at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, this toxic mix of abuse makes people less motivated with 66% cutting back their work efforts, 80% losing time worrying about what happened, and 12% leaving their job.
It seems obvious that we should have more respectful and inclusive cultures if we want better performance; however, fear-based toxic work cultures have been with us for a long time and have been allowed to flourish in some sectors without recourse. But times are indeed changing.
Sayings like ‘good guys finish last’ have been part of this harmful narrative leading people to think they need to behave like jerks to get ahead; however, it turns out that being respectful, kind, and inclusive, at whatever level you are at in business or society, actually pays big time on every level.
It turns out that being treated with respect is more important than recognition and appreciation, helpful feedback, and even learning opportunities.
What people want most from their leaders is respect.
Both being respectful towards others and being respected pays.
Cultivating a culture of respect combined with clear standards and expectations of performance creates cultures of high performance on all levels.
When people aren’t worrying about where the next assault is coming from, they can instead concentrate their efforts on doing good work, performing at higher standards, and enjoying the benefits that come from fostering and cultivating healthy respectful relationships.
In Christine Porath’ study of more than 20,000 people, she found that those who felt respected were healthier, more focused, more likely to stay with their organisation, and were far more engaged:
- 56% healthier
- 92% more focused
- 1x times greater retention
- 55% more engaged
As she says, ‘What I know from my research is that when we have more civil environments, we’re more productive, creative, helpful, happy, and healthy. We can do better. Each one of us can be more mindful and can take actions to lift others up around us, at work, at home, online, in schools and in our communities. In every interaction, think: Who do you want to be?’
So, who do you want to be as a leader, a colleague, a salesperson, frontline staff, in the back office, in the community and so on?
Cultivating our qualities of respect, kindness, warmth, competence, friendliness, and smartness is a powerful mix that will take us places.
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
To read more about how respectful, human-centred businesses are better for people, businesses, and the planet read our 12 Sales Trends Report for 2023 – Humans at the Centre.
Remember, everybody lives by selling something.
Stories from the field:
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I had a client meeting on Wednesday and applied the WWW and gained plenty of F’s!
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