OTB Behaviour: A conversation on respect with Julius Flynn.

We interviewed Julius Flynn, Concessions Manager at Jil Sander on what respect means to him and on how to build an inclusive and welcoming work environment. Here’s what he had to say.

What does respect mean?  

I would say it’s understanding an individual and allowing them space to express themselves. It is definitely the  idea of meeting someone halfway without coming in with a bias, without automatically judging.  

How do you establish a climate of mutual respect in a work environment?  

We need to allow ourselves to be vulnerable first so that everyone in the team feels safe to be vulnerable in return. This means caring about people, being understanding and open.  

What do you think are the main factors in building an inclusive environment?  

In my own experience, when I built my team, I wanted to make sure that I had a representation of diverse people. I wanted everyone to feel as included as I want to feel comfortable. 

How do you value the work of each team member?  

This usually comes back to the idea of positive reinforcement. For me it's about more the effort I put into interacting with every single person on  the team. Allowing space for everyone and creating a constructive exchange.  

Is there a quote on the topic that resonated with you that you would like to share?  

I have a quote that comes in and out randomly in my life: Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.