Commentary: Respect leads to a healthy work environment

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Hayden Pickett
  • 100th Communications Squadron First Sergeant
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  The late Rodney Dangerfield was famous for the quote, "I get no respect!" He would have audiences hysterical as he joked about his family, wife, dog and the world showing no empathy for his life or the situation he was in.

He would say, "My psychiatrist told me I was crazy. I told him I want a second opinion. He said, 'OK, you're ugly too' ... I get no respect." I think at times all of us feel like we are not getting what we deserve. But I also believe we have the capability to create a better, more productive work environment if we went beyond showing respect, but actually having respect for others.

Most have already been taught there are two types of respect: legal and earned. When we enlist and give the oath, we know we are legally bound to respect those who outrank us. We actually swear or affirm to "obey the orders of the officers appointed over us."

Our rank structure makes us a strong military and the layered chain of command keeps our direction clear in peace and at war. Obviously, when we are told to do something by our superiors, we are to do it out of legal respect.

But, sometimes position outweighs rank. An Airmen First Class may be responsible for giving a pre-flight brief to passengers before boarding a military flight. Although he or she doesn't outrank many, based on the position, all members are to give that Airman their respect and attention so they're prepared in case of a flight emergency.

Legal respect is clear, but earned respect is the most valued and hardest to achieve.

When we earn respect from others, they tend to work harder for us and have a better attitude doing it. So how do we earn it? I think we earn respect first, when we consistently make unemotional, sound decisions based on Air Force instructions and our experiences.

That shows we can be depended on and trusted. Second, we must display strong work ethics, be willing to do the job and stay in tune with the conditions others are working in. That becomes more difficult as responsibilities increase, so managing time and prioritizing our tasks are critical.

Finally, to earn respect from others, nothing goes farther than showing genuine care and concern for our people. That means knowing your Airmen, finding out what motivates them, and being responsive if they are having disruptions in their personal or professional life.

As a leader, you cannot "fix" people, but you can guide them and know the countless resources available, refer to your subordinates and peers if necessary, and follow up. "Doing unto others" immediately comes to mind when earning respect. It's just that simple, but the rewards are limitless and make for a better work environment.

A little respect goes a long way. When you recognize that every Airman, civilian, and Ministry of Defence employee and their job is imperative to our installation's mission, you encourage camaraderie and teamwork on and off base.

Take a moment to recognize the influence your attitude and level of respect has on others, and see the positive mark and influence you can make in other's lives today.