Respectful Workplace

Last year I started guest-blogging at RespectfulWorkplace.com – a website whose mission is very close to my heart. Devoted to “fostering awareness and providing resources for creating more respect in the workplace,” RespectfulWorkplace.com is a collaborative project between Edge Learning Institute of Ohio (EdgeOhio) and Edge Learning Institute, a global provider of leadership and staff development services that help companies and non-profits improve management competencies, enhance customer service and improve employee engagement. The website’s goal is “to create an online community of people interested in creating and nurturing workplace environments where diversity and inclusiveness are not only recognized, but appreciated and celebrated.”

Respectful Workplace provides a rich variety of resources such as speakers, publications and articles that further this commitment. Identifying “flexibility and respect as core competencies for success,” they offer interactive educational programs, workshops, and seminars that help organizations improve their workplace culture. They welcome outside contributors and invite like-minded people to share their thoughts.

Respectful Workplace blog, to which I’m proud to be a contributor, is a great source of ideas and insights coming from both RW team and guest bloggers. Recently I’ve been interviewed by Respectful Workplace about my book, Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). Here is a short exerpt:

RW: Could you describe what “managing up” is and how it applies to today’s workforce?

LT: By seeing the childlike motives behind a boss’s (or co-worker’s) actions, you can better manage even the most difficult situations. Managing up means going above and beyond the assigned tasks so you can support your manager and let yourself shine by being a proactive problem-solver and collaborator.

You can be a beacon of positive energy for your boss, co-workers and team. Part of managing up also means setting limits to bad behavior. Oftentimes TOTs are unaware of the effect of their actions. You can influence these actions, and your skills will be transferable to any job.

Read the rest of the interview (with the 2nd part coming next week) on the Respectful Workplace blog.