Q & A with the CAO

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Respectful Workplace

Q: What is meant by a respectful workplace and how does it impact me?

A: All employees deserve to work in an environment that is free from bullying and harassment. There is a common misconception that working in the public sector gives residents and stakeholders the right to be abrasive. Working in the public sector is much more challenging than working in the private sector. Our employees understand that working with public money is a trust that is not entered into lightly.

Respect is a requisite for a healthy, professional workplace where employees feel valued performing work that is meaningful to their organization. A healthy work environment can increase employee retention and boost an organization's reputation as a great place to work. Having this type of organization is key to the provision of essential municipal services.

Q: What do we need to know about public sector employees who work at the County?

A: There are various levels of employees from front line to management to operations. All employees are vetted carefully before hiring and supervised throughout their careers. Our employees are various municipal professionals ranging from planners, human resources professionals, engineering technologists, equipment operators, and the list goes on. The County hires the complement that we need to provide the most efficient services that we can within the budget set by County Council.

Q: What does all of this have to do with respect?

A: Knowledge leads to greater understanding. There is a general misunderstanding of what County employees do and this is not unique to our area but rather is a systemic problem in local government across the country. If the public understands what we do at the County as employees, then I believe we will generate more respect from all stakeholders.

Q: How can I demonstrate respect to County employees?

A: While some issues are extremely frustrating, we are trying to help. We understand that to you, your issue is the most important item. However, it is helpful to us if you understand that we are constantly juggling a large workload. The following are some practical tips:

  • Treat people with courtesy, politeness, and kindness.
  • Listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint. Don’t speak over or interrupt another person. Listen and stop formulating rebuttals and responses in your mind when you need to focus on listening to the other person.
  • Never insult, use name-calling, disparage, or belittle people or their ideas.
  • Do not constantly criticize, judge, demean, or patronize a worker. A series of seemingly trivial actions added up over time constitutes bullying.
  • Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and your demeanor and expression in all your interactions. People hear what you are really saying in addition to listening to your words.

Q: Why is this so important?

A: In today’s fast-paced world civility seems to be a disappearing trend. We need to be more empathetic and thoughtful in our dealings with each other.

Sincerely,

Ann Mitchell

Chief Administrative Officer

Lethbridge County


Respectful Workplace

Q: What is meant by a respectful workplace and how does it impact me?

A: All employees deserve to work in an environment that is free from bullying and harassment. There is a common misconception that working in the public sector gives residents and stakeholders the right to be abrasive. Working in the public sector is much more challenging than working in the private sector. Our employees understand that working with public money is a trust that is not entered into lightly.

Respect is a requisite for a healthy, professional workplace where employees feel valued performing work that is meaningful to their organization. A healthy work environment can increase employee retention and boost an organization's reputation as a great place to work. Having this type of organization is key to the provision of essential municipal services.

Q: What do we need to know about public sector employees who work at the County?

A: There are various levels of employees from front line to management to operations. All employees are vetted carefully before hiring and supervised throughout their careers. Our employees are various municipal professionals ranging from planners, human resources professionals, engineering technologists, equipment operators, and the list goes on. The County hires the complement that we need to provide the most efficient services that we can within the budget set by County Council.

Q: What does all of this have to do with respect?

A: Knowledge leads to greater understanding. There is a general misunderstanding of what County employees do and this is not unique to our area but rather is a systemic problem in local government across the country. If the public understands what we do at the County as employees, then I believe we will generate more respect from all stakeholders.

Q: How can I demonstrate respect to County employees?

A: While some issues are extremely frustrating, we are trying to help. We understand that to you, your issue is the most important item. However, it is helpful to us if you understand that we are constantly juggling a large workload. The following are some practical tips:

  • Treat people with courtesy, politeness, and kindness.
  • Listen to what others have to say before expressing your viewpoint. Don’t speak over or interrupt another person. Listen and stop formulating rebuttals and responses in your mind when you need to focus on listening to the other person.
  • Never insult, use name-calling, disparage, or belittle people or their ideas.
  • Do not constantly criticize, judge, demean, or patronize a worker. A series of seemingly trivial actions added up over time constitutes bullying.
  • Be aware of your body language, tone of voice, and your demeanor and expression in all your interactions. People hear what you are really saying in addition to listening to your words.

Q: Why is this so important?

A: In today’s fast-paced world civility seems to be a disappearing trend. We need to be more empathetic and thoughtful in our dealings with each other.

Sincerely,

Ann Mitchell

Chief Administrative Officer

Lethbridge County


Page published: 26 Jul 2021, 12:53 PM