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Here’s the second people skill we need:
2. Give people the respect you would want them to give you.
Practical ways to do that are:
Avoid bad-mouthing and gossip. It’s so easy to get caught up in company gossip or bad mouthing. But that shows a disrespectful attitude toward others.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 says: “Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.” You will be amazed to discover that what you thought you said in strictest confidence is now common knowledge on the job. A good rule of thumb is not to say anything about someone that you would not say to that person’s face.
Watch out for condescending tones or words. Three specific occasions come to mind where we can sound condescending very easily:
When answering the “dumb” question.
Even your tone of voice can carry the message, “Wow, what a stupid question!” Remember, while it may appear dumb to you, it obviously doesn’t to the person who asked.
When communicating with elderly people.
It may be necessary to speak a little louder or slower, or repeat things occasionally when communicating with an elderly person, but it is not necessary to speak down to that person, in a childish way.
When communicating with foreigners or people with accents.
Typically we start to raise the volume of our voices in these situations. Remember, that person is not deaf, but you may need to speak more slowly. Be careful not to use a condescending tone or attitude with them.
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