The one word that transcends boundaries in the workplace

In my last blog post, I wrote about the importance of leading by example, being humble, and treating others with respect regardless of their position within your organization. All of your co-workers should have a clear idea of how and where they fit in at the company. It should not only be obvious how and where an employee fits in an organization, but this information should have been provided to the employee as early as their interview process, definitely through their S.I.M.P.L.E. onboarding experience, and reviewed on a regular basis.

Nonetheless, if you report directly to someone or you manage direct reports, the position of power can feel burdensome for all parties involved. There's one word that I like to use that has the potential to level the playing field and transcend boundaries.

"Colleague"

Here's why you should always refer to people you manage as your "colleague" as opposed to your assistant.

When I worked in the corporate world as a "coordinator", part of my job was to act as someone's assistant. However, my boss never referred to me as his "assistant" but rather, as his "colleague." I've taken this and applied it in my own work years later.

An assistant is stigmatized as doing whatever the "boss" instructs them to do, get coffee, run interference between meetings, and the ever-alluring, "additional tasks as assigned." On the other hand, referring to someone as your "colleague" makes them feel valued, like they have a seat at the table, and that they can be collaborative.

I've been fortunate enough to work with some great assistants (sometimes more than one at the same time) and they can really improve your life. I don't know about you, but I personally don't want someone to order around to act as my assistant. I love working with people who I can collaborate with, who keep me on track, who bring problems to me before they really become problems. I will say it again - you can only be as successful as your team so be sure to give your colleagues opportunities to ask questions, to grow, and offer their ideas. People who support you in the workplace deserve your reciprocal support, so go above and beyond for them.

Even if your colleague's job is to act as your assistant, make sure that you bring them coffee every once in a while.

image: by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash