The Career Bucket List: Things to Accomplish At Your Job Before You Go

Learn the difference between “fear” and “respect”

There are many lessons to learn while on the job, but one of the most important ones is to learn the difference between fear and respect when it comes to upper-level management. Teach yourself that respect is normal in the workplace, but fear is an abnormal impression to have about your supervisor, employees, or your job in general–and people shouldn’t be trying to instill that in others. Give a voice to your feelings (in an appropriate way) if you are sensing that the job situation makes you feel uncomfortable as to where you are in fear instead of experiencing a mutual respect level for those above you.

How to achieve this:

Evaluate the relationship between you and your co-workers, supervisor, etc. Also, evaluate the company’s culture. Overall, is it an environment that allows you to work to your fullest potential? Do you feel that you “respect” your manager rather than “fear” their authority or wrath? Make sure this is not a personal feeling about your job, but rather a professional opinion about your job that you have. Sometimes it is hard to decipher the difference between the two, especially if you are in a position at a job that is NOT the wind beneath your wings–if you know what I mean.