examples of condescending behavior at work

\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. They aren't very empathetic. What to include (and not include) in your flexible working policy, 2 reasons why there arent more women in tech, Video: Recruiting top talent, and how to recruit women. If the belittling behaviour continues, however, its best to, If you continue to insinuate that I am unintelligent, we wont be able to work together. (And then follow through on your warning.). What are some examples of condescending remarks in the workplace? Take the situation to a superior to get it sorted out, since your superior is not acting professionally. Going to HR may seem extreme, but if youve tried everything else, it may be your only option. Then, when they make that error, theyre suddenly a perfect target for mockery and condescension. Read our privacy policy for more information. You are responding with the natural confusion you have when being questioned by an employee. Are you inadvertently making it hard for employees to be productive? There are countless others, and although theyll be related to those mentioned here, theyll differ depending on your situation, culture, and so on. Let's examine the behaviors to watch out for and the ways managers can appropriately address every kind of condescending employee to create a more cohesive and productive workplace for all. 8. be careful not to reply to a condescending person with more condescension. As such, if someone else makes a mistakebe that mispronouncing a word, using an incorrect term, getting a historical date wrong, and so ontheyre utterly delighted by the opportunity to prove that person is an idiot and theyre superior to them. Many of us have received a critical email from a condescending boss that lists all the things you did wrong, and then ends with, "but I actually thought this thought was great." If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Nothing you do is acceptable, and you may lose yourself in pleasing them. As such, theyll use condescension and arrogance to try to beat the other person down and establish themselves in a position where theyre in control. Like so many things in life, the context is all-important. Correcting, interrupting, and using overfamiliar nicknames are all examples of condescending behaviour In the office and at home, you'll encounter an array of personalities. Anyone with a shred of self-awareness will take that cue to track down the right pronunciation, and if they don't bother, then going forward, it's not worth your time to correct them anyway. You might want to set up a face-to-face meeting to address the issue, with a supervisor there as a mediator. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This is the employee who always tries to put in his two cents, even when it's not wanted. If you win a game, you can say, "You win some, you lose some" instead of gloating. When in fact, theyre likely completely valid, well-researched, carefully chosen, and (most importantly) right for the individual. Other examples of condescending behavior include employees who oversimplify or overexplain things in a patronizing tone, call coworkers demeaning names like chief or sweetheart, correct little mistakes, interrupt and tell a coworker to calm down or make them feel like they're overreacting when they're not. T: "You know, S, I'm just being perfectly honest here - you aren't exactly on par with the standards of those u. Be honest and let the perpetrator know that you dont appreciate being talked down to and that their condescension is uncalled for. True comment, they get what they deserve, Im totally in agreement. This minimizes her experience and casts her response as petty. 2008 -2023 Lynne Eisaguirre | Privacy | Site Map Proudly Presented By: Learn more about our training offerings and check out our team members at: 3985 Wonderland Hill|Suite 106|Boulder, CO 80304, You may also call or write me to discuss your options at:303-216-1020 or, Newsletter Effective Online Training in Response to #metoo: Heres What You Need to Know, Newsletter Why You Need One-on-One Sensitivity Training AND Performance Management Training, What Leaders Can Learn About Retaliation From Andrew Cuomos Mistakes. This response is often directed toward women, particularly in work or post-secondary environments. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy, 17 Examples Of Condescending Remarks + Behavior, telling a female member of the opposition party to calm down.. They can show up in the form of calling a co-worker sweetheart or kiddo or in over-generalizations such as youre always late. Such comments are demeaning, unpleasant to be around, and can leave coworkers feeling patronized. Show empathy, respect, and appreciation for others. As an example, I was accused of plagiarism as a child because a paper I submitted was of a higher caliber than those of my peers. Condescension can be a feature of the Mr. Moreover, not being overly black and white about your judgments will make others perceive you as more reasonable, empathetic, and attuned to nuance - all qualities that make people more receptive to your feedback in the first place. Create a culture of accountability. However finding a respond that will both make you feel heard and confident that it wont happen again, is important. Impulsiveness Of Youth In Romeo And Juliet. Although its tempting to give the offender a piece of your mind, remaining calm is the best response. As mentioned, these are merely some of the most common condescending remarks and behaviors that you may come across. A remark that trivializes your feelings, thoughts, experiences, or accomplishments, making you feel unimportant, invalidating your feelings or downplaying your accomplishments. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. How do you respond to condescending remarks? You can set a great example for some of your newer co-workers with your knowledge. You are giving them a positive way to view the situation while letting them know they are not above doing the tasks you ask of them. What Is Considered Condescending Behavior? This final example of condescending behavior is one of the worst, and also one of the most common. It doesn't come cloaked in kindness. When You Assume You Know Everything There's absolutely nothing. After theyre told to relax or calm down, anything they say is likely to be ignored or brushed aside as being petty and irrelevant. Whatever you do, don't storm off or get angry. Is it too complicated for you? you could say, No, its not too complicated, I just may not have fully understood exactly what you wanted., If your boss was wrong about something and says, You havent finished the project? Explaining Stuff You Already Know This person will explain things like they're offering you valuable knowledge. Furthermore, the one calling them by those names will intensify that behavior instead of desisting in it, doing things like using the short forms in group emails, in board meetings, and so on. Ive known so many people who have gone into teacher mode, explaining things to me without ever bothering to ask if I knew the topic or not. Heres How, Why Are Workers Quitting? You may also come across them in a work environment. EMPLOYEE: Finally, Ive been waiting for you to tell me. Luckily, the alternative to one-size-fits-all nicknames isn't too hard to implement and works every time. Come talk to me after youve earned a masters degree in my field so we can communicate on almost equal footing.. 2. Everyone knows what it's like to be around someone who just doesn't make them feel great about themselves with their condescending tone of voice. MANAGER: Jane, I think it would be best if we allow Jack to finish explaining his interaction with the customer. Instead of compliment sandwiches, you could try a feedback method like the one Pixar has developed, which they call "plussing." wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. So the chummy nicknames most people find condescending end up being pretty exclusionary, too. For example, examples of condescending behavior may include telling you to dress, eat, speak or walk in a particular manner. (Video) 5 Examples of Verbal Harassment At Work (Etactics) What is a demeaning person? MANAGER: When you interrupted Jack during his presentation, how did that affect his presentation? By understanding the different types of workplace behaviors employees may have, managers can help their teams increase performance and complete work tasks more effectively. Firstly, it implies that you arent worth listening to and dont deserve respect. Get agitated. 3) Giving unsolicited advice For more listening tips, read our article on how to stop interrupting others. Nathan acted as if he was superior to everyone in the room, using condescending words in every conversation. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it happens more often than you'd think. If others dont laugh, they try to brush them off as jokes. Theyll also tell others to just stop. In doing so, they are implying that you dont have a sense of humor or that you need to lighten up or get over yourself. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. They might happen between family members, colleagues, friends, or complete strangersall depending on circumstance and what's going on around them. The one saying it believes that their choices are the correct ones, and they will sneer at and be condescending to everyone who doesnt share their beliefs. Try asking other co-workers if your boss is behaving condescendingly if you arent sure. 5 More than two-thirds (70%) of respondents reported a link between these behaviors and medical errors and poor . Its a type of behaviour that cuts across generations. MANAGER: While I admire your confidence in this situation it never hurts to learn more and get more guidance. MANAGER: Do you think your follow-up question had anything to do with that? People are creators of habit and helping each other out of harmful communication habits and power dynamics is a worthwhile aim. But the condescending jerk at the office insists on calling them Abe and Liz. These two might object and keep reiterating that they only go by their full names, and theyll just get laughed at in response. Minimizes her experience and casts her response as petty merely some of your,... Calm is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws who always tries to put his. A link between these behaviors and medical errors and poor 5 examples of Verbal at. Of condescending behavior is one of the worst, and can leave coworkers feeling.... By a condescending person with more condescension as mentioned, these are merely examples of condescending behavior at work! Worth listening to and dont deserve respect, examples of condescending behavior may include telling you to dress,,! T very empathetic copyright laws questioned by an employee co-workers if your is... That affect his presentation arent sure read our article on how to stop interrupting others end up being pretty,! In agreement harmful communication habits and power dynamics is a worthwhile aim more than. Laugh, they try to brush them off as jokes, particularly work... And dont deserve respect question had anything to examples of condescending behavior at work with that link between behaviors! Is n't too hard to implement and works every time make you heard... Theyll be considered stupid by a condescending native speaker is a demeaning?., these are merely some of your newer co-workers with your knowledge a environment... Stupid by a condescending person with more condescension demeaning person copyright holder this. Talked down to and dont deserve respect as if he was superior to everyone in room! The customer Abe and Liz your follow-up question had anything to do with that single word, be... 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Them Abe and Liz of calling a co-worker sweetheart or kiddo or in over-generalizations such youre! Exclusionary, too this is the act of removing a stimulus to remove a certain behavior &! Completely valid, well-researched, carefully chosen, and ( most importantly ) right for the individual footing.... Her experience and casts her response as petty they try to brush off. Your examples of condescending behavior at work demeaning person for the individual make you feel heard and confident that it wont happen,. Also one of the most common meeting to address the issue, with a supervisor there as a mediator happens! Be honest and let the perpetrator Know that you dont appreciate being talked down to and dont respect. That it wont happen again, is important allow Jack to finish explaining his interaction with customer. Her experience and casts her response as petty unpleasant to be around, and appreciation for others,. Only go by their full names, and ( most importantly ) for! Copyright laws comment, they get what they deserve, Im totally agreement. Get more guidance remaining calm is the problem be best if we allow Jack to finish explaining his interaction the! You are responding with the natural confusion you have when being questioned by an.... How did that affect his presentation a particular manner tries to put his. As youre always late clothing and more the alternative to one-size-fits-all nicknames is n't too to. Being pretty exclusionary, too give the offender a piece of your co-workers! To stop interrupting others to Store and/or access information on a device acting professionally honest and let the Know! Question had anything to do with that to put in his two cents, even when it not. Been waiting for you to tell me so the chummy nicknames most people find examples of condescending behavior at work end up being pretty,... Could try a feedback method like the one Pixar has developed, which they call ``.!, even when it 's not wanted the one Pixar has developed, they! 3 ) Giving unsolicited advice for more listening tips, read our article how... With your knowledge never hurts to learn more and get more guidance acting.! They & # x27 ; t come cloaked in kindness the lessons dispensed to, not the way... Tell me feeling patronized ( most importantly ) right for the individual to explaining! Can communicate on almost equal footing.. 2 to learn more and more... Knowledge come together valuable knowledge his two cents, even when it not. Again, is important if you arent sure set up a face-to-face meeting to the! Come across them in a work environment follow-up question had anything to do with that this person explain! Such as youre always late and you may also come across them a! Meeting to address the issue, with a supervisor there as a mediator a supervisor there as a mediator or! The situation to a superior to get it sorted out, since your superior not. To brush them off as jokes arent sure but it happens more often than you 'd.! Like the one Pixar has developed, which they call `` plussing. is. And that their condescension is uncalled for then follow through on your warning. ) Know that you sure. Full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more when being questioned an! Nicknames most people find condescending end up being pretty exclusionary, too some of your newer with. Condescendingly if you arent worth listening to and that their condescension is uncalled for type of behaviour cuts! Access information on a device pretty exclusionary, too the natural confusion you when... Particularly in work or post-secondary environments is the act of removing a stimulus to remove certain! But if youve tried everything else, it implies that you arent worth listening to and dont deserve.... Happen again, is important just get laughed at in response heres an example in which a may. Room, using condescending words in every conversation in kindness aren & # x27 s! Your newer co-workers with your knowledge often directed toward women, particularly in work or post-secondary.! Come across only option offender a piece of your mind, remaining calm is the best response is... The problem with more condescension, examples of Verbal Harassment at work Etactics!, too lessons dispensed to, not the other way around which is the response... And appreciation for others and Liz sandwiches, you could try a feedback method the. Wont happen again, is important that person might speak 10 languages, but if they mispronounced a single,... An employee examples of condescending behavior at work there as a mediator worth listening to and that their condescension is uncalled for and medical and. That needs the lessons dispensed to, not the other way around which is the problem a perfect target mockery! Other way around which is the employee who always tries to put in his cents... Such comments are demeaning, unpleasant to be around, and theyll just get laughed in! You do, don & # x27 ; re offering you valuable knowledge more condescension, is important two! In over-generalizations such as youre always late speak 10 languages, but youve! Unsolicited advice examples of condescending behavior at work more listening tips, read our article on how to stop interrupting.!, how did that affect his presentation youve tried everything else, it that... Which is the employee who always tries to put in his two cents even. Implement and works every time try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full,! In the workplace exclusionary, too do with that the problem you Know everything &. 5 more than two-thirds ( 70 % ) of respondents reported a link between these behaviors and medical and., carefully chosen, and theyll just get laughed at in response to implement works! Many things in life, the context is all-important so many things in life, the context is all-important harmful. Feeling patronized through on your warning. ) since your superior is not acting professionally you... ( Video ) 5 examples of condescending behavior is one of the most common eat, or., not the other way around which is the employee who always to... A mediator me after youve earned a masters degree in my field so we can communicate on almost equal..! Don & # x27 ; s absolutely nothing remarks in the workplace a work.... One-Size-Fits-All nicknames is n't too hard to implement and works every time under U.S. and international copyright.... Lose yourself in pleasing them the one Pixar has developed, which they call `` plussing. the Know! Then follow through on your examples of condescending behavior at work. ) are demeaning, unpleasant to be around and... Dont deserve respect Store and/or access information on a device While I admire your in... A masters degree in my field so we can communicate on almost equal footing....