How to display respect to people who lack integrity in the workplace?

Question

I find it hard to acheive. I know all people should be treated respectfully, but I find that hard when I don't genuinely respect someone or particularly like the person they are - it makes me feel like a fake and like I am losing my own integrity. I don't like the fact that people will fake empathy and lie to you in order to get what they want from you. I realize in business that sometimes you can't be completely honest, but I don't believe you have to use people either. Is there any way to be an honest person in the business world? Is it even possible to be true to who you are and exist in such a soul less place? I try to find some way to tell myself that they are just doing a job and trying to get by too, but I really have a hard time making myself believe it.

Answer 1

I would like to rephrase your question to: How do you maintain a sense of stability and dignity in the presence of jerks?
My answer is to always be yourself, that way people have a context for your actions. I tend to say very little around obnoxious people for obvious reasons but approaching some situations with humor is also a way of saying: "I am not phased by someone else's negative attitude."
If it's really the pits I would start looking hard for another job. You don't need the stress and until you work someplace where you are valued you wont get promoted.

Answer 2

Not everyone deserves respect. If you have to deal with people like that, cold politeness is sufficient.

Answer 3

Treat them the way you would like to be treated (Jesus)
Salute their highest nature (Buddhist)
What goes around comes around (popular adage)