Workers don't always view boss as leader

Individuals considered workplace "leaders" don't usually reside high on the corporate ladder, according to a study by BT.Novations, a consulting firm in Provo, Utah. As many as 85 percent of individuals identified by peers as leaders in organizations are not managers, up from 65 percent in the mid-'70s.

Findings were based on analysis of data gathered recently - and in a similar survey 25 years ago - from 2,500 white-collar employees at selected major US companies.

While people may have more respect for their peers at work, 44 percent of people surveyed in a different poll said the level of professional courtesy at work has decreased during the past five years.

OfficeTeam, an international specialized administrative staffing firm, used responses from 525 women and men employed full time in professional environments.

Liz Hubler, OfficeTeam executive director offers the following tips for curbing workplace rudeness and highlighting positive leadership skills:

* Value others' time.

* Clean up after yourself.

* Be courteous and respect boundaries.

* Give credit where it's due.

(c) Copyright 2001. The Christian Science Monitor