Why Respect Outshines Professionalism in Today's Workplace

What if being 'professional' is actually holding your workplace back? In this episode, host Russel Lolacher challenges the traditional norms and reveals why respect, not rigid professionalism, is the key to a thriving, diverse workplace.

The idea of professionalism is usually about aligning behaviours, dress codes, communication styles and work ethics around the norms of the dominant culture. This is a barrier to diversity and innovation, while promoting uniformity. Let's be respectful instead.
Russel shares real world examples of what we can do as leaders to encourage a respectful workplace and remove the roadblocks associated with being professional. 

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Transcript

Welcome back to Relationships At Work – Your guide to building workplace connections and avoiding leadership blindspots..  I’m your host Russel Lolacher

I’m a communications and leadership nerd with a couple of decades of experience and a heap of curiosity on how we can make the workplace better. If you’re a leader trying to understand and improve your impact on work culture and the employee experience, you’re in the right place.

This mini-episode is a quick and valuable bit of information to set you up for the week ahead.

Inspired by our R@W Note Newsletter, which you can still subscribe to.

For now, our focus is…

Professional and Respectful Aren’t the Same Thing

"That's not very professional."

Ever heard that one before? Perhaps mentioned about a colleague who wasn’t in the room. Or it could have been directed at us. It’s an interesting one. 

But before I get to into it, let’s do what we do on this show. We first, define things. 

So, what is "professional"? Traditionally, professionalism is associated with a specific set of behaviours, dress codes, communication styles, and work ethics that align with the dominant culture's norms. And I'm sure we can all guess as to what that "dominant culture" usually looks like.

Those who wag the flag of "professionalism" might not always understand that this traditional definition can actually, inadvertently exclude or marginalize individuals who do not conform to these norms due to their cultural, racial, ethnic, gender identity, or other differences. So what professional can do is foster uniformity - over diversity, bias, discrimination, barriers to entry and advancement or more. All because people don't fit a preferred mold of "professionalism".

But we still like to use words like diversity, equity and inclusivity as goals and values. I’m a communications personal so let’s use words that might not be such an obstacle. One that softens expectations while still understanding expectations in the workplace. 

I'd like to suggest shifting the conversation and reframing "professionalism" with being respectful.

For example:

·       Professionalism is how we act, respectful is how we act around others.

·       Professionalism is how we communicate, respectful is how we consider our audience.

·       Professional is how we dress, respectful is how we understand we represent the organization.

Let's redefine the conversation to focus on respect for values, all in an effort to embrace inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and excellence in work. Because behaviour varies, across cultures and individuals, so we must adopt more flexible policies that allow for diversity in dress codes, communication styles, and how we work. And not stick to the ”it’s always been like this” crap. 

I should also note that it's essential to also see that diversity proudly displayed at the top, in those that represent and model the organization. If they all look and act the same, what are we communicating about diversity? 

So where do we start? Where do we start shifting the conversation from professional to respectful?

·       Establish Core Values: Define, communicate, demonstrate and reward values that prioritize respect, inclusivity, and diversity. Ensure these values are reflected in all aspects of the organization, from hiring practices to daily interactions.

·       Focus on Outcomes: Shift the emphasis from how things are done to what is achieved. Encourage a results-oriented culture that values the quality and impact of work over adherence to traditional professional norms.

·       Inclusive Policies: Review and update workplace policies, including dress codes, language use, and work schedules, to ensure they accommodate diverse needs and expressions.

·       Lead by Example: Leaders must model respectful behaviour in their interactions, decision-making, and problem-solving. A commitment to a respect-centered culture sets the tone.

·       Zero Tolerance for Disrespect: Implement and enforce policies that make it clear that disrespect, discrimination, and harassment will not be tolerated. Ensure there are clear, safe channels for reporting issues. ZERO TOLERANCE.

Pushing "professionalism" on others can be a barrier to those that don't look and act like those in power. Diminishing diversity, creativity, cultural pride and innovation in the name of conformity aka “you can’t be successful if you’re not me”-isms.

Embracing respectful behaviour on the other hand can bring the whole organization together and forward, and build those strong relationships along the way.