Have you ever been on the receiving end of a condscending or patronising comment in the workplace? During most people’s career there will have been times when they have felt belittled or “talked-down to” and over time this can undermine confidence and grow resentment.
If you feel that you are being patronised at work you need to try to resolve it amicably and quickly (as with any office conflict). In the first instance, consult with a trusted colleague to determine whether the behaviour is unacceptable. Refrain from any impulsive emotional reactions and instead have a private, calm conversation with the party involved because they will often be unaware that their behaviour has caused any offence. Bringing it up publically may cause more harm than good.
When conversing, ensure you make it clear how their behaviour and condscending comments made you feel rather than criticising their personal actions. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to the individual, liaise with your Line Manager. If the issue persists, turn to your HR team where there will always be someone for you to talk to.
“Always maintain your professionalism, think before you react. You lose your power when you become overly emotional. Rather than responding with a flippant comment you may later regret, take a deep breath, compose yourself and concentrate on what you really want to say. Ultimately try to remove the emotion from the situation and focus on achieving the professional goal/ objective.” Marianne Hatcher, L&D Manager, BPS World
The best way to break down any stigma or stereotype is to add value professionally. It can be easy to get lost in “office politics” which may distract you from performing. By achieving your goals and objectives you will ultimately gain respect.
If all else fails, seek external support. Here at BPS World we have an employee assistance programme which is an impartial external body where you can talk about any issues. Guidance will be provided on how to overcome them. It is advisable to check if your organisation has anything similar in place and look to utilise their services.
Have you ever experienced this in the workplace? For more information please contact People and Culture Manager, Jo Rapley on 01628 565768 or jo.rapley@bps-world.com