Every workplace should have this rule

Jerks, bullies, mean-spirited people. Name them what you will. They are people who persistently leave others feeling demeaned and de-energized; usually those who have less power and social standing than their tormentors.

Bob Sutton says that the best test of a person's character is how he or she treats those with less power.

When a person is consistently warm and civilized toward people who are of unknown or lower status, it means he or she is a decent human being. Small decencies not only make you feel better about yourself, but can have a ripple effect through your team and department.

More about the concepts in this book in future posts.

Read Bob Sutton's places and people that use the rule.