Lesson 6.9
Respect Regardless of Position
Estimated time: 6 minutes
Job titles create different responsibilities.
They do not create different levels of human dignity.
A manager may have greater authority than a cleaner.
A supervisor may direct a receptionist.
A teacher may have responsibilities that differ from a driver.
But none of those differences justify treating someone as less human.
Disrespect Can Travel in Any Direction
A manager can disrespect an employee.
An employee can disrespect a manager.
A customer can disrespect staff.
Senior employees can bully junior employees.
Junior employees can undermine coworkers.
Professional respect applies across the workplace.
Scenario
A staff member says:
“She’s only a cleaner. Why should I explain anything to her?”
But the cleaner needs information about an area that cannot be entered yet.
Her role is relevant to the work.
Respecting someone’s role helps the workplace function.
Respect Does Not Mean Equal Authority
Treating people with dignity does not mean everyone makes every decision.
A supervisor can still:
- give instructions
- correct work
- enforce standards
- make authorized decisions
The difference is how authority is exercised.
Remember
Authority changes responsibility. It does not cancel dignity.