If A Co-Worker Is Not Showing You Respect

There will be times when a co-worker may yell at you, or perhaps say something to intentionally make you angry. The worst thing you could do is to yell back or fight with this employee. However, you do not deserve to feel threatened at your job, and you can use these tips to ensure disrespect stops: - Remember that everyone has a bad day on occasion, and attack may be a direct result of a co-worker’s personal problems. Try to be understanding and compassionate. You could try saying something like: “I’m sorry that something is obviously on your mind, but please remember that I didn’t do anything to you and don’t feel that I deserve to be disrespected.” You can even offer co-worker some assistance to help them cool off. - Whatever you do, don’t fight back. If another employee really is disrespecting you, your argument will be no good if you start yelling and insulting your co-worker. If you fight back, situation changes from someone disrespecting you to supervisors having to cool off two unruly employees. And, believe that will only happen once or twice. Then supervisor may begin thinking you are a problem. - Try talking to your co-worker. If your co-worker says or does something that you feel is disrespectful, bring it to their attention. This co-worker may not realize that he or she is overstepping a line with you. Try saying something like: “What you just said (or did) made me feel like you do not respect me (or my position). I’m sure that wasn’t your intention, but in future, could you please try to be more mindful in future?” You may even offer co-worker some pointers on what makes you feel respected. Paraphrase what they just said to make it sound more positive. - If all else fails, talk to your supervisor and/or counselor. When you feel that you’ve done everything you can to earn respect of your co-workers and you’re still having problems, talk to your immediate supervisor. You may even request a meeting between you, other employee, and your supervisor to get to root of problem. Not only that, but your supervisor may have more tips to help you get along in workplace.

Holding recorder in your non-writing hand allows you to operate on/off button and to write any notations if needed with your other hand.

Never thrust recorder in a persons face as they will feel self-conscious, causing them to become tongue-tied and awkward.

Use your notebook for accurate spelling of names (companies,locations etc), jotting down a few main points and perhaps some question reminders for later.

Be careful when recording that you don't loose concentration as this will "deaden" an interview.

Listen carefully to what is being said and be sure to understand answers otherwise it will be difficult to write clearly enough for your readers.

If you don't understand something ask! "Can you put it into simpler language?" or "Can you clarify that a little more".

If a person is evasive of a question or doesn't give an answer, ask question in a different way and at another point in your interview.

If someone gives "off record information" turn recorder off. Don't do too many off record interviews as they don't contribute to information you require (your time is valuable). Always Guide interview process, but don't dominate it. If person strays too far from subject at hand,then quickly guide person back. Don't forget to turn recorder back on when interview proceeds again.

Tip: When you get home label your cassettes as you fill them so there is no chance of accidentally tapeing over information you want to keep.

Always Keep cassette on file in case someone should ever claim they have been misquoted.

If interview is likely to be in any way contentious cassette should remain in your file for at least a year or two.

=> Photographs with interview:

There are times when you may need to use a photograph of a person for project you are working on.

TIP: If you take photographs, always get a signed agreement before taking them and as a safeguard for yourself have them sign a Model Release Consent form. There have been many cases when a person's photo has been used without his/her prior consent and person has sued for modeling fees, invasion of privacy, or for various other reasons.

Take any photos you require at end of an interview when person is relaxed.

If possible have person do something that is relevant to interview rather than just standing or sitting.

Alternatively photograph person in surroundings that have meaning to theme of interview.

If this is not possible then just take a mug shot (a facial close up) that you can use.

Note: People will sometimes cross out word electronic on a consent form and only permit their photo to be used in a print publication. For a variety of personal reasons they may not want their picture to be used on Internet. Always respect their request if this is case.

=> Ask open-ended questions:

Asking open-ended questions instead of ones that invite a yes or no answer will give more interesting responses.

These questions usually begin with who, what, when, where and how, and cannot be answered with a straight yes or not.

Example: "When did you get into writing?" "what made you decide on this particular area of writing"? etc.

This type of questioning sets framework of interview and is a useful tool when digging for significant information. (also you will have plenty of useable material at end of interview).

Write up information within hours of interview if possible or at least within a day or so.

As a courtesy, offer to send person you have just interviewed a copy of your article (send them a press clipping) or to send them a free copy of your finished ebook.

NOTE: The person being interviewed does not get any payment for doing an interview.