The basics of courtesy

Egay Uy

SOME people often forget the respect begets respect and courtesy begets a like treatment.  In the workplace, leaders, department heads, assistant department heads, or supervisors owe it to their people to observe the basics of courtesy.

Some sources say courtesy should be maintained when talking to co-workers or the boss. I’d say the boss must observe courtesy at all times when talking to his people.

Basically, sarcasm has to be avoided by the boss. Just because one is the boss does not mean he is now free to say anything to any worker. On the contrary, he has the obligation to motivate all employees (not just the favored ones) so they will deliver results that are attuned to the goals of the organization.

An administrative officer or human resource supervisor or anybody of similar stature, has no right whatsoever to bark at just anybody, more especially when the object of the barking exercise is a high-performing employee. I’m not saying though that you can freely bark at non-performing ones. Just don’t!

Just don’t because you are not a dog, at least in form.  And, this kind of demeanor in dealing with office workers raises questions on one’s capability and ability to continue holding that position.

An AO or HR supervisor must know how to read between the lines in the office. When employees begin saying they always eagerly look forward to five o’clock so they could leave the office, the AO or HR supervisor or the head of office must start looking at himself in the mirror.

There are symptoms that tell the boss if his organization is sick and could collapse soon.  But then again, if the boss does not know how to run a department or spot the symptons, the organization may just collapse under his nose leaving him clueless about it.

One basic tenet of courtesy is replying to workelated messages sent to the boss by employees.  A boss who does not reply to messages is courting dissent and disrespect from employees.  Replying to messages both conveys to, and commands respect from, those with whom one interacts.

Remember, if there’s courtesy within the workplace, employees will earn and give respect to one another.  This will result in an overflowing satisfaction and harmony.

That would be a good start.