Never Tolerate Disrespectful Behavior

I firmly believe in setting clear boundaries in both personal and professional relationships. When a relationship becomes unproductive—or worse, toxic—it’s often the result of unclear expectations on both sides.. Even if you’re not the source of negativity, you may bear some responsibility if you’ve hesitated to establish and communicate boundaries that could have prevented the situation from turning sour.

In the workplace, this principle is even more critical. It’s crucial to speak up—respectfully but firmly—whenever you feel you’ve been treated unfairly or disrespectfully. The longer you wait, the more likely the other person is to interpret your silence as acceptance of their behavior. Disrespect can range from yelling and using derogatory language to making unnecessary personal criticisms in a public setting.

My advice? Never tolerate disrespectful behavior. If possible, address it immediately in a respectful yet firm manner. For example, you might say, “I don’t think that tone is productive—can we revisit this conversation in a calmer way?” . If you’re caught off guard or feel uncomfortable confronting the issue in the moment, follow up with the individual afterward. Speak privately with the individual and call out the behavior, and make it clear that it isn’t acceptable moving forward. 

Standing up to disrespect can feel especially daunting for young professionals, particularly when there’s a big power gap. But learning to address these situations early in your career is an invaluable skill. Setting boundaries isn’t just about protecting your well-being; it’s also about fostering a healthier, more respectful workplace for everyone. Remember, addressing disrespectful behavior isn’t confrontational—it’s professional. And it’s necessary.