All Are Equal. I Don't Think So..

Frequently we get to hear that we should treat everyone equally and I too advocate it to a great extent. But, is it practical?

Generally, you tend to behave more respectfully with your superiors , what if you give same treatment to the bottom of the ladder. I have met many guys who are mature enough to interpret your intention. But, there is no dearth of shallow characters, who become frank to the point that you feel the authority being challenged. Many of them take your politeness for granted and you do not attract the deserving respect.

I have encountered this on many occasions and was unsure for years, how to react. Now, I very well know how to handle it. Here are some tips:

1. Define your relationship both at work and in social arena. Find out what level of openness is needed to sail through comfortably.

2. Know yourself better. Identify your ego strength and be clear how you want to be treated.

3. Take your time to open. If the person is mature and you do not see the possibility of being challenged, you can be more open. If the guy scores low on maturity scale, better keeping it formal.

4. Don’t ever reveal your dark secrets. You never know what equation you will have after two months with the listener. Relationship dynamics change more frequently than we ever imagine.

5. Respect everyone irrespective of the position. Just the level of formality is to be customized.