Not a baby boomer and, according to some of my coworkers, I'm still just a pup (who takes the occasional QA whacking stick to them), but the topic of respect is a very grey area.
At work, I am professional respectful to my coworkers, even if I know that I do not get along with them outside of work. I don't come to my job to socialize (that may be just an occasional perk, however). I come to make a difference and get a cheque to pay my bills. Workplace etiquette and respect can take many forms.
- He who takes the last cup of coffee, makes a new pot!
- He who dirties the kitchen area, cleans up after himself.
- Ask for my permission/okay before rummaging through my desk (this is a major sore spot for me...people take pens and other small items without asking or telling me...simple courtesy would be appreciated)
- Holding doors open if arms are full of work/supplies.
- Not standing/hovering near me if I am on the phone or talking with someone else - quietly interrupt and ask to see me when I'm done.
- The list goes on and on...
And yet, despite what is to me common sense, so many people are lacking in the simple courtesies, respects, and etiquettes of the work place.
Do I call someone "sir" or "ma'am" at work? No. Mr. So-and-So. Ms. Whatever. Until I have their permission to call them by their first name. That is never done to me however, since I'm one of the youngest people in the building...all the older people assume it is their right to call me by my first name (let's not get into the fact that they never learn to spell it correctly until I mention it several times over).
On the personal side, the "sir"/"ma'am" rule applies still. With my aunts and uncles, my family has never said Auntie So-and-So or Uncle Hey-You. Always first name basis...that is how I was raised. That is what they prefer. They are family, but also friends. Once again, though, would be nice if my family would learn to spell my name properly!
I respect my parents for their knowledge and love. They have provided me with all the experiences I wanted, pushed when necessary, held me back when required, and occasionally let me try to fly on my own...but were always there when I needed it. Even now. I had to put my cat down yesterday afternoon and despite having company over for supper at their place, they invited me over and tried to cheer me up. How can I not respect, admire, and love that in them?
My Father has minimal post-secondary education and grew up pretty much wild in Montreal as his family took little interest in what he did. He got into trouble, caused havoc in the Canadian Navy, and was the stereo-typical "girl in every port"...until he met my Mom when he was 28 and she just 18.
He's now a "contract CEO". He takes companies that are floundering and guarantees them to make a profit within 1-2 years (if they're willing to listen and apply his knowledge). He has yet to fail. He's worked hard to get to where he is...and I am not only proud of him, I respect that.
My Mom got her BA via distance-education and graduated in her late 20's/early 30's. She got her MBA over 7 years and received it when she was 44. All while holding downa full-time job and raising me and handling my Father.
They taught me everything I know today...and still have much to teach me (not that I'll tell them I said that!). But from the very beginning, I have been taught to respect them, respect those around me as they deserve.