Conduct in the work place

I’ve read articles on the subject in magazines while sitting in the doctor’s office waiting area. I’ve also watched documentaries on television, and I’ve had first-hand experience with it in the workplace, at school, and in organizations many, many times throughout my life.

I’m referring to the way individuals or even groups conduct themselves in a flippant or sarcastic manner that is truly inconsiderate. There are ways to infer insults, and ways to infer humor, and people should know the difference. It could be an individual’s personal habits developed through decades that let unkind words escalate. Sometimes bunches of these folks group together in “clicks.”

You don’t have to like everybody you are in contact with, but you don’t have to treat a person like a door mat, or as if you think they lack the intelligence you believe you possess.

I can take a truckload of good humor without malice or insult.

People too many times think the person to whom they are relaying a happening to, whether worldwide, national or of local origin, should know what’s going on. Guess what? Everybody isn’t always focused on EVERYTHING that is happening, especially when they are consumed with a full plate of their own. While it is important to keep up on current events, sometimes things get by a lot of people.

I personally get darned tired of somebody saying, “Where have you been?” in a condescending tone of voice. I don’t function that way. Rather it could be worded “Oh, you didn’t hear about it?” then proceed to say where the inforomation could be found or fill a person in, but in respectful, kinder manner.

I typically blow off people who are rude, just because they always seem to get away with it. But, not anymore, as I think I may have found a comeback that will set these know-it-alls back a peg. Mention some historical fact that hasn’t surfaced for a while, maybe from the Guiness Book of Records. A few comebacks might make a person think about this inappropriate form of insult. It’s just a habit that carries a condescending backlash.

More and more it seems that people these days find so many unkind ways to treat others. We have the bullies lurking around, and we have the sly types that can’t totally be trusted to keep a lid on what doesn’t need spreading like manure in a field.

Some of those in our leadership levels are just as bad at dishing out what they themselves would cringe at if the table were turned.

So many in high places have had to be reprimanded for misbehavior with co-workers, bosses or the employees they are responsible for. Harassment covers a wide range of inappropriate areas. There are methods to curtail this type of activity such as keeping a log that documents days, times and places it all occurs. I’ve had people tell me the craziest things that have gone on in the workplace, in the teacher’s lounge, and even the doctor’s lounge at the hospital, and even in government agencies.

Some are more subtle than others, but people no matter what national origin, gender or age, should not have to endure insults, malice or bad humor directed at them.

Leadership can step in and change the environment in the workplace and I’ve seen it happen. But, it is an ongoing endeavor as turnover’s are inevitable in so many situations.

It’s pretty refreshing to be greeted with a friendly hello in the morning and when encountering regular employees, teachers and supervisors throughout the day.

I guess the food for thought is to think before responding to an innocent question that certainly doesn’t deserve an insult for an answer.

It’s easy to respond with a sharp tongue when a person is stressed on a certain day, but an apology is always a bridge to gap any hard feelings that could result from it. I know I’m always willing to accept an apology, and I certainly don’t mind giving them if I went off track somewhere.