
Office Nicknames Impact: Power, Peril, and Policies
Office Nicknames Impact: Managers nicknaming employees can harm well-being, while employee nicknames for managers can empower. Organizational culture and individual comfort are key; clear guidelines are crucial.
Probing the Power and Peril of Office Nicknames
Introduction
- Nicknames are often a staple of office culture.
- Study in Harvard Business Review researches how workplace nicknames impact professional relationships and employee well-being.
Key Findings
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Managers should avoid giving employees nicknames.
- Employees feel less psychologically safe, less powerful, and less respected.
- Employees may perceive it as a way for the boss to assert control.
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Nicknaming a manager can give employees a sense of empowerment.
- Employees feel more psychologically safe, more powerful, and more respected.
- Shows that the higher-power party respects the voices of the lower-power party.
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Organizational culture plays a major role.
- In hierarchical workplaces, the effects of nicknaming are more pronounced.
Navigating Workplace Nicknames - Advice for Leaders
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Establish clear guidelines.
- Organizations should set expectations to ensure a respectful environment through policies and training.
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Consider your company's culture.
- Be mindful of organizational structure before encouraging or using nicknames, especially in hierarchical workplaces.
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Never assume.
- Never assume an employee is comfortable with a nickname.
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Always check in.
- Ask employees privately if they are comfortable with how they're addressed.
Conclusion
- Nickname acceptance is ultimately up to the individual